Ugly, here, means beautiful.

The Ugly Maple is so named because of the story of the Ugly Duckling who turns out to be a swan, which accounts for its “ugly” appearance to the regular ducklings. This story hits close to home for me.

The sensation of being apart or “other” to those around you will leave a shadow in your heart or a bruise on your soul (or something like it). For me, the shadow left by racial discrimination in my youth was this need to keep up the ruse that “I am just like everybody else” and “I am not different”. I would end up seeking acceptance where it needn’t be sought: from others. The acceptance needed to come from within. It took some time, but it has. I like being me.

My name is Johnathan Crichlow. I am a woodworker with the heart of an artist. In 2020, I created the The Ugly Maple as a space for creativity to flourish and for artists to be and become their truest selves. Ugly, here, means beautiful.

I produce art based on seasons of creativity and in collaboration with trusted friends. Integrating wood, architectural coatings and artist grade acrylics, my goal is to elevate and accentuate the natural beauty of wood, while taking full advantage of its strength and durability.