Alberta is rich in other resources: the human kind.

SOUGHT OUT BY REPUTATION ALONE

For more than twenty-five years, John Morel - 'The Furniture Maker' has worked as designer and craftsman in the creation of unique furniture pieces that delight the eye while retaining their practicality.

Working in carefully selected hardwoods and exotic woods, often employing inlay as a decorative detail, and maintaining an unbending creative discipline, he is one of a devoted band of artisans who make their homes in Alberta - and make their living through reputation alone.

RECORDED FOR POSTERITY

In 1999, renowned photographer Raymond Van Nes sought out John Morel and other Alberta artisans for his October Slide Project, creating an evocative series of silver gelatin prints that were purchased by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

The collection captured a variety of craftspeople and artists in their working surroundings - those quiet corners of the province where most of them can still be found pursuing their avocation with little thought of reward.

NAMES TO REMEMBER

Besides JOHN MOREL, FURNITURE MAKER, the Van Nes photographic tribute included : ROB VALENTINE, ARMOURER, MARTIN REINHARD, BLACKSMITH, CHUCK STORMES, SADDLEMAKER, JEFF SHUGG, BICYCLE WRIGHT, KAREN CANTINE, SILVERSMITH, HEIKO SCHIEPER, ICONOGRAPHER, JOHAMMES SECKER, HARPSICHORD BUILDER, KLAUS HOFFMAN, PATTERNMAKER, and RICK MCAVENA, WHEELWRIGHT.

Levitated Apples hopes to show the work of some of these artists and artisans as information becomes available. If you have suggestions on craftspeople deserving our attention, please append your comments below.