The Artist
"I spent so much time with a paddle in my hand I suppose it was inevitable I would make it my canvas one day.”
Norquay Co. (Nor-ku-way Ko) was created by artist and female-founder Natasha Wittke.
The paddle became Natasha’s canvas—an expression of resilience, perseverance, and untapped possibility. This creative journey was sparked by a transformative 600km canoe expedition along the remote Missinaibi River, a voyage that marked the moment she moved beyond the physical limitations once imposed by a congenital heart condition.
What once held her back became the very force that propelled her forward. As a powerful symbol of that transformation, each paddle she designs features a distinct centre line—an intentional, deeply personal element that echoes the scar she now wears with pride.
“The centreline is more than just a visual articulation of my scar; it's my badge of honour. It marks the journey from point A to B—with all the bumps, detours, and unexpected moments along the way. It represents the river I paddled, portaged, and powered through, and serves as a source of inspiration for those who may doubt themselves today but may find a clearer path to forge tomorrow.
This isn’t just my story—it’s all of ours.”
The centre line stands as a quiet emblem of strength, a lasting reminder that no boundary is insurmountable, and a celebration of the human spirit's ability to endure, evolve, and inspire.
Over the past decade, Natasha has grown the brand into an internationally recognized name, with exhibitions at prestigious events such as the Architectural Digest Design Show in New York, the London Design Fair, and the Interior Design Show (IDS) in both Toronto and Vancouver. Her work has earned a Gold award at the European Product Design Awards, been published by Gestalten in The Outsiders, and featured in hundreds of publications — including AZURE, Design Milk, Domino, GQ, Monocle, O Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal — as well as television segments such as HGTV’s Love It or List It and Queer Eye. Her work has received praise from design enthusiasts and notable figures, including renowned author and canoeist Seth Godin.
Natasha has collaborated with global brands including Filson, Ralph Lauren, eBay, CB2, and Roots, while also actively supporting numerous environmental non-profits. Notably, in 2022, she partnered with the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) to create a legacy paddle as part of HBC’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts during the historic transfer of its landmark Winnipeg building to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. This symbolic paddle was gifted to Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and other distinguished leaders.
Bring the journey home with one of Natasha’s collectible art pieces—an iconic Canadian object steeped in history, heritage, and meaning.