My name is Steve Kubien.  I have been working with wood for over 25 years. While I followed a typical path in building bookshelves, tables, and coat racks, my creative spirit longed to be set free (Wow, that sounds hokey!).  When first exposed to a wood lathe, I knew I had found a tool I could be passionate about using.  I love the freedom of expression it allows me.
 
Much of the work from I produce via Green Leaf Wood Studio is done with locally found woods. These timbers are often recovered from local depots for yard waste before going through a chipper. Sometimes it is a matter a speaking to a tree service before they take their work to the depot. Usually, the trees used have fallen in a storm or due to age.  This idea of reuse/recycle is where the "Green" part of the name came from.  Clever, huh?

Selections of exotic woods from around the world are also used for smaller projects. Particular attention is given to the source of the woods. These trees are selectively harvested at tree farms so as to be non-factors in issues such as the depletion of rainforests. In many cases more trees are being planted than actually harvested by these farms which is good for all of us. Another source of these "exotics" are furniture makers and other fine craftsmen. Typically, scrap wood is left to their dumpster and I often gets some nice wood, just by asking ahead of time.

I live in Ajax Ontario with my wonderful, supportive wife and my two daughters, ages 7 and 9.  When I am not shuttling between soccer practices, swimming at the local pool or in my shop, I can be found studying Jodo, a 400 year old Japanes martial art.