Crafting Beauty, One Piece at a Time

Russell Bardak is a retired farmer and advanced care paramedic who has found deep fulfillment in creating one-of-a-kind, functional wood art. Now living in Nanoose Bay with his supportive wife, Joanne, Russell relocated from northwestern Alberta in the autumn of 2020, bringing with him a lifelong passion for working with his hands.

Each piece Russell creates is a tribute to the natural beauty of wood. With care and intention, he selects materials—often foraged Arbutus, Maple, and Walnut from fallen trees or gifted by friends and neighbours—and allows the wood to guide his process. For him, every creation holds a story, shaped not just by craftsmanship but by a deep respect for the materials themselves. In many cases, he returns the gesture of receiving local wood by crafting and gifting a custom functional art piece in return.

Russell identifies as a neurodivergent thinker, living with ADHD and other mental health challenges, including developmental trauma. Woodworking has become an essential therapeutic outlet, offering a sense of regulation, focus, and emotional balance. He is open about his journey and believes strongly in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.

To learn more about Russell’s work or explore his stunning wood creations, visit: www.kenjrwoodworks.ca.