My friend David Bouchard has been a mentor and guide over the past several years. During the summer of 2009, while visiting my daughter in Victoria, I had the opportunity to spend the day with he and his lovely wife Vicky at their beautiful Victoria manor home. It was there that David introduced me to his flutes. I was 

captivated by the sounds I was hearing and the diversity of maker styles. (It is important to say here that I have no musical training and/or background).

I went away convinced that I could make a Native North American flute and indeed I promised myself that I would make one for David someday.

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Someday presented itself on January 27th, 2010. The month prior was spent madly reading, researching, connecting with other flute makers and experimenting. On the evening of the 26th I (along with my stone carver friend Dawna Robertson) presented David with his flute…and again, as they say, the rest is history.

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Since that time I have spent most of my free time developing my craft. I work with many different types of woods but am intrigued lately by branches and repurposed woods. I love the uniqueness of each piece and especially love the opportunity to turn off the machines and pick up my hand tools. Doing so gives me the opportunity to really understand the branch/wood and the instrument as it reveals itself to me.

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You honour me and the flutes by visiting this site. If there is something that you see that you like please feel free to contact me and I will get in touch with you.

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Thanks for visiting.

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Steve (Makwa)