ROBERT VAN NORMAN
RESIDENT CRAFTSMAN & TEACHER
Mentored by James Krenov, Robert is the founder and resident craftsman and teacher at the school. After providing the afternoon lecture he can found at his workbench. When not at the school, he can be found walking in the woods, or in his workshop, home to Jim's original workbench, hand tools and machines, where he continues to enjoy the richness of our chosen material and the many subtitles of the craft.
Robert completed a traditional apprenticeship under master cabinetmaker Erich Janisch, further refining his skills at the College of the Redwoods, now the Krenov School, then under the direction of James Krenov. In 1991 he founded a small woodworkers cooperative where he began to make commissioned and speculative pieces of his own design. Robert’s work has been exhibited throughout North America, Europe and Japan. He has taught and lectured internationally.
ROBERT’S WORK
YVONNE VAN NORMAN
TEACHING ASSISTANT & ADMISSIONS
Often the first contact our students have with Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking is with Yvonne. As her title suggests she looks after everything from correspondence, registrations and assisting our students with their transition to life on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Yvonne is a graduate of our Impractical Studies program. In the afternoons, she assists with the program and maintains our machines.
Yvonne has developed a close network of locally available services and accommodations specific to our student needs. She has been with the school since its inception, and with Robert throughout his life as a craftsman. Yvonne lives in a small cabin on Keats Island just across the meadow from the school, and a short ferry ride from her grandchildren. When not at the school she can often be found on exploring the island, in her garden, sewing or knitting.