By Shannon Gough
Tucked along the shore in Indian Harbour sits what Peter Downing jokingly describes as “the only bubblegum pink house in the bay.” In a small workshop beside it, Peter creates handcrafted pieces that reflect both traditional craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for natural materials.
Downing, a member of the Peggy’s Cove Area Art Society, will be participating in this year’s Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts Studio Tour, giving visitors an opportunity to see the workshop and artistry behind his business, Pebble Mountain Woodcrafts, which he launched with his wife Kate five years ago.
Peter spent much of his childhood outdoors in Indian Harbour, developing an early connection to nature and hands-on work. While attending university, Peter worked at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which fostered his appreciation for historic craftsmanship and inspired his path. After enrolling in a heritage carpentry course and working with several companies in the Halifax area, Peter specialized in custom problem solving and restoration work on older and historic buildings.
“I liked the hands-on and non-prefabricated nature of older buildings,” he explains. “There was freedom in being able to create and fix things instead of simply buying new ones.”
Today, Peter personally designs and builds every piece himself in his workshop, relying on traditional techniques involving “as little hardware as possible” and preferring natural, non-toxic finishes to maintain a focus on the local and exotic wood that he uses. Among his favourite and frequently used tools are an old General table saw and an antique Shopsmith lathe. A hallmark of his work, Peter also frequently incorporates magnets into his designs instead of traditional hinges or clasps.
The result of Peter’s consistency, concentration, patience, and precision is a collection of timeless, tactile pieces that celebrate craftsmanship in an increasingly mass-produced world.
Peggy’s Cove Area Festival of the Arts Studio Tour (July 17th to 19th) visitors will have the chance to meet Peter (Stop 24) and learn more about the artistry behind Pebble Mountain Woodcrafts handcrafted woodworking.https://peggyscoveareafestivalofthearts.com/