Champstiles is a Toronto-based brand, inspired by the wood burnings of artist Chris “Burns” Bennett. Collaborating with other Toronto artists and Ontario’s longboarding community, Champstiles has burned a niche in the vibrant local art scene.

From jewellery to portraits, furniture to longboards, “Mr.Burns” has put a modern spin on an ancient craft, and has introduced wood burning (a.k.a. pyrography) to a new generation.

About the Artist: A Note from Chris “Burns” Bennett

In 2005 I graduated from the Furniture Technician program at Algonquin College in Ottawa. In the years following school, I worked primarily in high-end cabinetry shops, making everything from custom kitchens to spiral staircases, solid furniture, commercial display units and more.

In July of 2009, I picked up a wood burning kit to start signing my name onto wood projects. From the moment the hot pen scorched the surface of the wood canvas and the smell of campfire hit my nose, I could see the endless possibilities of combining my experience with wood and my skills as an artist.

Fast forward a few years, and I have done some amazing pieces for some great people I have met along the way. Considering I never really thought of doing art as any sort of business, I have been blown away by the reception and encouragement I’ve received. I’ve gotten a chance to work closely with some great Toronto-based brands, including Longboard Living, The Food Dudes, Concrete Guerilla Clothing, King of the Dot Entertainment, Roarockit and Sinful Inflictions Custom Tattoos.

I have also done custom burnings on jewellery for many local performance artists, and have been a part of some great events in the GTA , including the Ontario Longboard Swap Meet, the Toronto Board Meeting, Toronto Loves Kicks Sneaker Expo and the 5th Annual Manifesto Festival.

Champstiles is my vision for Toronto’s premier wood art brand.