Introduction written by Jenny-Lyn Fife:
Meet Greg Lobb, the creator of home-based business Mosquito Workshop! Located in Air Ronge, SK, he began his woodworking business in 2016, after transitioning out of a career in EMS. Greg enjoys working for himself and has delved into a fulltime entrepreneurship endeavour. He likes to joke that he built his shop to validate the space where he houses his impressive collection of Masters of the Universe figures. With an interest in graphic design, Greg takes on larger commissions for signage, which is his discipline of choice. He also creates home interior pieces, including cutting boards and trays, framing and furniture, as well as memorial pieces. He thrives on variety – a multi-faceted approach to his business keeps it exciting. Placing an emphasis on quality, Greg takes into account both function and aesthetics. Stylistically, smooth lines feature in the fluidity of his designs. Enjoying the process of making, he prides himself on efficiency. He finds many rewarding aspects in the relationships built with clientele to create meaningful pieces for both individuals and communities. Find Greg Lobb’s work at Handmade House Saskatoon, Traditions Hand Craft Gallery Regina, Hansen-Ross House Fort Qu’Appelle, Coming Together Hafford and Lac La Ronge Tourism Centre.
Interview with Greg Lobb
Mosquito Workshop
Website: mosquitoworkshop.com
Instagram: @mosquitoworkshop
Facebook: Mosquito Workshop
What kind of artwork do you create?
I create a number of wood based goods. Signs, kitchenware, custom furniture and framing. I believe the spice of life is variety, so I keeps it spicy.
How do you get through artist’s block?
Typically, I set it on the back burner and work on other things. I get hung up on some projects and stuck in my head trying to solve how to progress, this can go on for weeks sometimes, an epiphany will occur and I can move on, time will reveal the answer.
How has your art/craft practice changed over time?
With time and experience, a higher quality produce has been the result. I like efficiency, so I’m constantly critiquing my own processes, looking for areas where time can be reduced or another tool maybe contribute to the success.
What are you currently working on?
I have a number of names signs due over the next 6 weeks, a small bluff of tree shaped bookcases, a very large sign installation for a local music festival plus a number of smaller projects for the same, a couple markets in the near future that I’ll have to produce signature products for, some tattoo shop signage plus a growing waiting list that never seems to get tackled.
What is your typical studio day routine?
Coffee, be upset at the mess I constantly leave myself, waste some more time, panic to get some things done, take a break rewarding my measly progress, social media, drive all the way into town to get $4 worth of hardware, and then we do lunch. But for real, every week is different, depending on what deadlines are due, typically in the shop by 10am, Monday/Tuesday are usually my most productive days, also not uncommon to work through the weekend or well into the evening.