Shraga Bellon was born in South Africa, raised in Israel and now resides on an equestrian farm in Goodwood, Ontario where he has built his wood turning studio. He has a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and worked in Manufacturing until his recent retirement in April 2016.
Throughout his career Shraga enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. About 12 years ago, after attending a wood pen making course, he started concentrating specifically on wood turning. Starting initially with small wood items, Shraga's creations have grown in size and complexity. His engineering background stands him in good stead with all the calculations and design involved in wood turning
Most of Shraga's creations are fully functional and have been used effectively in cooking courses at Country Hill Cooks operated by his spouse; a perfect marriage of function and design.
Shraga spends his days experimenting with different woods and wood turning techniques. He combines wood turning with steam bending and inlay of various crushed stone, metal powders, nuts and other products.
Some additional areas of Shraga's diverse wood turning interests include the creation of rustic wood chandeliers and wood-stemmed wineglasses with stone inlay.
Shraga works closely with local townships, arborists and land owners to source wood for most of his wood bowls.
Shraga is a member of the American Association of Wood Turners and two regional Wood Turning Chapters. He works out of his studio located in the picturesque setting of Country Hill Farm located in Goodwood; just east of Stouffville Ontario.
