Andreas Pfister

Furniture maker

©Kyra Kaisla

When hands and tools become one

Andreas is passionate about bringing furniture into life using his hands
His work reflects a deep love for wood, which he mills and dries himself
In his process, he combines idealism, knowledge and intuition

Andreas Pfister handcrafts furniture with domestic hardwoods, such as maple, oak, ash and various fruit woods, some of which he mills and dries himself. “Although I enjoyed my philosophy studies at the Munich School of Philosophy, I realised that I was more interested in bringing things into being using my hands,” Andreas says. He found what he had been looking for at the Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking (IPSFC) in British Columbia in Canada. "Craftsmanship was a way to unite mind and hand in my work," shares Andreas. “My objects are individual and bear my marks and fingerprints. I believe that a piece is successful when joy, clarity and calm are more present than doubt, struggle or pride. I consider my furniture a success when it offers quiet delight in unquiet and hurried times,” he explains.

Interview

How did you start making furniture?: During my studies, I began making furniture in an open workshop. I was filled with idealism and learned from the books of James Krenov, which I discovered thanks to a friend. Those books revealed that it was possible to unite head and hands in my work.
What do you enjoy most about your craft?: I am constantly learning. At the same time, I like following my intuition. I am able to interpret the subtle responses of the material I am working with. Furniture making is also an ever-closer collaboration between hand and tool, where tools become finely tuned sensors – extensions and amplifiers of the hands.
Does your practice require specific qualities?: The key traits to have are humility, patience and a willingness to learn and be surprised. One should not have overly time-consuming hobbies, as spontaneity, attentiveness, active engagement and the ability not to overanalyse things are crucial.
What values matter most to you artistically and in your craft?: The most important values in my work are integrity, knowledge and respect for the material. It is also important to be aware that each individual expression stands on the shoulders of artists before us.

Andreas Pfister is a rising star: he began his career in 2020 and he started teaching in 2023