We are pleased to introduce a new member to our tour Siek Wassenaar
At an early age Siek became interested in woodworking and he
used to take night school courses in Scarborough and Stouffville. The wood shop
at Stouffville had a lathe and Siek asked the instructor to show him how to use
it. His first attempt was a flying success. Sometime later he saw a turning
demonstration at the Unionville Festival. The turner told him about a wood
turning club- WGO- and invited him to check it out. He joined the club and
whatever skills he has he learned from its members. After retiring from
teaching chemistry at a community college he spent more time at the lathe.
He uses all native hardwoods and looks for pieces that stand
out because of nice grain patterns, spalting or some miss formation caused by
stress. He likes to make bowls, platters, lidded boxes, hollow forms such as
vases. He makes urns for both animal and human remains. Pepper mills, salt
shakers and pens are other popular items. Most items are treated with a clear
finish but sometimes articles are coloured before a finish is put on them.
Siek's location is number 6 in our 2012 brochure
