Since beginning the I Am Canadian Feature in September, I have met a lot of Great Canadians. Before I’m through, I hope to meet each and every one of you.

One person that I met along the way was the talented Alejandro from “Treasures from the Ark”. He has been kind enough to share a part of himself with us. I hope that you will take the time to read about his creative pursuits and show him your support in the comments.

What is Treasures from the Ark?
Treasures From The Ark is a small business based out of Stittsville, Ontario that began in 2008. Our product line includes hand crafted pens made in fine exotic woods and acrylics, as well as bowls, platters, boxes and other decorations.

How did you become a “Turner”?
My passion for crafts began when I was just eight years old.

I first started with embossing using brass and copper sheets and then learned woodworking in high school. By that point, I knew that I’d found my passion.

When my kids grew up, I was able to go back to woodworking as a hobby and haven’t looked back since.

What is it about Wood?
I believe that every piece of wood hides a treasure inside, and I’m glad to show them to the public. My day job is non-art related, regardless, I found that woodturning is a mix of a methodic process plus creativity and innovation. I love getting a perfect, shiny and smooth piece from an irregular piece of wood.

Turning involves a sequence of different processes and techniques. However, I obtain unique pieces after I apply my creativity, that’s how there are no two identical pieces when they are finished. For me, woodturning is a very relaxing process, where my imagination flows while doing the work. This allows me to enjoy it and at the same time produce something that will hopefully be appreciated by others.

How Have your Products Evolved?
Originally, I started turning decorative bowls, platters, boxes, and some abstracts, inspired by John Springett, a well-known British mathematician and woodturner. It wasn’t until I discovered pen turning that I found a new world full of possibilities and techniques.

Taking baby steps, I started to make wooden pens using exotic woods. Then, I became familiar with alternative materials, like resin castings, deer antler or a combination of these and exotic woods.

Nowadays I still experiment and it is still a never ending learning curve. What started as a hobby became a real passion for me, and I am excited to share my art with the world.

Connect with Treasures from the Ark Website | Facebook  | Etsy Shop | Google+

Want to be Featured?
Contact Journeys of The Zoo!

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And Now for The “I Am Canadian” Linky…

If you are Canadian or have a Canadian Product, Cause, Blog, or other Canadian related item, then you are officially invited to add yourself to this Linky.

Note that this Linky is not intended as a Giveaway Linky. Please go here to post or enter giveaways.