As you wander around Granville Island, you never know which artists you will find showing their wares around the next corner. Some are set up in booths in the food market, some are performing outside and some are housed in the studios nestled between Arts Umbrella and Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

Just across from Arts Umbrella is Karin Edworthy’s studio and store of 14 years: Ainsworth Custom Design. Enter and you can snoop through the work of over 25 local artists. On a recent visit, we saw some beautifully delicate ceramics from Mixed Media Artist Roxanne Gagnon. Her lopsided mugs have a quirky elegance and a delicate design.

You might also find hand-spun copper enameled bowls by Lorne Flach, Felted Soap by Quincey Erin, proud Wooden Women by Jose Ventura and aprons by Mishi Perugini.

When she is not busy manning the front, you will find Karin Edworthy working in the metal fabrication studio with ticket-wielding welder, Chris Jansen. Together they produce custom metal furniture, handcrafted from stainless, steel, aluminum, copper, brass and wrought iron. “Our shop specializes in functional pieces,” says Edworthy, “furniture in particular. But being a custom shop, we come across all sorts of interesting projects.”

Edworthy sought out the Granville Island store after tiring of her work as a lawyer. “After leaving the practice of law, I began working with my partner at the time, who was involved in a store in Yaletown called Bonaparte, doing custom metal work. Knowing that the lease was about to expire, we pursued securing a space in our ultimate dream location – Granville Island. That was 14 years ago and as they say…the rest is history.”

Even with all of the hard work, Edworthy is delighted to have made the transition from law to art creation and support. And what is most gratifying about working in her store of many artists? “Seeing a client leave our shop with a smile on their face and knowing that we’re doing our bit to promote and support locally made goodness.”

Written by Elizabeth Newton
www.creatorsvancouver.com