After having graduated with honours from École Des Métiers du Meuble de Montréal, Henray Paynter acquired his Canadian Red Seal in cabinet making. Henray's works are deeply influenced by his time in France, where he completed his apprenticeship with a master cabinet maker in the town of Ornans. His deep focus on the natural grain and beauty of wood helped him to win the Trade Olympiad, a world-wide skills competition where he took the Gold in the Montréal Regionals and Silver in the Québec Provincial Competition in 2009. Despite his time in Europe, Henray's inspirations are varied. Having traveled throughout South America, Canada, and the United States he has taken in the beautiful variations of woodwork and carpentry within these cultures. An avid world traveler, he is constantly learning and appreciating the natural beauty of structures.