INTERVIEW with Tim Lozier from How Kola Furniture
In a world of mass production, and furniture super stores, it is harder and harder to find a true furniture craftsman. But that is exactly what Tim Lozier from How Kola Furniture is ~ a talented artist whose medium is wood, antlers, and rustic colors that, when combined, create a stellar collection of high quality, award winning furniture.
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Tim and his wife Tiffany over the last couple of months… I think you’ll enjoy them too.
CACTUS: You currently live in Cody, Wyoming how did you come to live there and what is the best part of life in Cody??
TIM: I moved to Cody from Upper Mich. where I grew up. I have been here since 1989 and enjoyed the mountains and the pace of life so I stayed.
CACTUS: How did you begin making furniture and come to own your company, How Kola Furniture??
TIM: Due to medical issues my current job in the oil field was cancelled. Trying to find a new career I went back to my high school industrial arts background and started as a sander for Sweetwater Ranch. When they closed I went out on my own using what I had learned and added my own touches.
CACTUS: How did you come up with the name How Kola??
TIM: How Kola means “Welcome Friends” in Lakota Sioux.
CACTUS: How do you approach a new piece and infuse it with the ‘Elegant Rustic’ style you’re known for??
TIM: When I build I take into consideration the purpose of the piece and how it can bring life and elegance to the room. Each piece should be able to stand the test of time and be passed on for generations.
CACTUS: Who are some other furniture makers that have affected your style??
TIM: As I’ve grown as a builder I’ve had many influences like Thomas Molseworth, and also artists like George Dabich who inspire me to push it to a higher level.
CACTUS: What is your process in creating a new piece of furniture??
TIM: I really have no process. It depends on the project or a great piece of wood that speaks to me. I will study the piece, for what seems like HOURS to my wife, before the inspiration hits.
CACTUS: Do have any particular music or time of day or other external factors that affect your creative process??
TIM: My process is continuous I’m always thinking of new pieces or different ways to enhance a old piece
CACTUS: What is your proudest achievement as a furniture maker??
TIM: I’ve been able to make dozens of beautiful pieces. My favorites are pieces are those that I can make for my family. There is great gratification in giving someone you love a piece that was created just for them.
CACTUS: What percentage of your business is custom orders??
TIM: 90% of my work is custom. Be it changes in size or carving or adding a drawer, very rarely are any two pieces the same.
CACTUS: If somebody wants to purchase furniture from you how would they find your work??
TIM: Most days you can find me in the shop or by PHONE 307/250/0322. Thanks to the internet I can also be found at www.HowKola.com, on facebook at How Kola and onTwitter under HowKola. I’m also listed with Cactus Creek, Contemporary Western Design and Rustic West.
CACTUS: What shows do you attend??
TIM: Cody High Style Show and the Western Design Conference
CACTUS: What would be your advice to a young person who is interested in pursuing a career in making furniture??
TIM: As I have worked with my sons I have decided the best advice is safety, and trial and error. They have to learn to go with their own inspiration and gut feeling otherwise it isn’t your piece it’s someone else’s.
Great advice… BIG thanks to Tim & Tiffany!! fancy
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