Samuel Daigle

I’m an Acadian from New Brunswick, now based in Québec City for the past four years. My creative journey has its roots in childhood, shaped by the artistic influence of my mother, my father’s love of nature, and the craftsmanship of my grandfather, a skilled woodworker. From a young age, I was building birdhouses, carving wood and stone, and diving into small-scale carpentry projects—always eager to experiment and learn by doing.

Though I’ve taken a few short training sessions, most of my knowledge comes from reading, trial and error, and years of self-directed exploration. For over 25 years, woodturning has been my primary focus, my passion, and the core of my creative practice. I’ve had the chance to travel, attend international symposiums, and connect with woodturners from around the globe—experiences that have expanded both my technique and perspective.

I strive to create pieces that blend beauty and function. To me, utilitarian art has double the value—especially in small living spaces. I work almost exclusively with local woods, often using overlooked or imperfect specimens: gnarled, knotty pieces or wood from fallen trees. I’m a dedicated recycler and upcycler—my process takes more effort, but it avoids unnecessary logging and yields one-of-a-kind results with added soul.

Lately, I’ve been focused on crafting ultra-thin poplar lampshades. This wood, rarely highlighted in fine woodworking, glows with a warm, ambient light when turned just right. It’s a deeply satisfying craft—one that machines still can’t replicate.