Meet our Members: Siegfried Chaloupka
1) Introduce yourself – where are you based, what do you do and how long have you been a VWA member?
I’m based in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and work as an engineer by day and woodwork whenever possible. I currently maintain a small home workshop where I design and build furniture. I have been a VWA member since mid-2025, although I have known some VWA members for several years.
2) When did you first get into your craft/practice and what was your journey to it?
Woodworking has been a part of my life from the beginning. My father is a Master Cabinetmaker from Germany and was the frame maker/gilder/carver and conservator at the NGV Melbourne from the early 80s through late 90s. After shifting his practice to the home workshop, it was quite normal that he trained me to assist him from a very young age, and so I learned both traditional and modern methods. More recently I was fortunate to be mentored and work with the legendary Frank Wiesner. Frank opened my eyes to the amazing range of Australian timbers that we are so lucky to have!
As an engineer, I have worked in various industries from motorsports to defence. This has allowed me to build complementary technical skills that directly influence my work methodology, and I pick the relevant skills and combine them into my woodworking projects.
My furniture designs tend to be influenced by a mix of the English Arts and Crafts style, Early 20th century Danish/Swedish furniture and German Bauhaus thinking with a strong preference for using native timbers wherever possible. I try to make things that are tactile, familiar, fun and inviting, so that they get used and enjoyed as often as possible.
3) Current top three music tracks you listen to or all time favourite song/artist Samples of music I listen to, and when:
Saint Saens: Piano Concerto No.2 played by Emil Gilels – when I need to focus.
Alice in Chains: Down In a Hole (MTV unplugged) – when I have paralysis by analysis.
Roy Buchanan: Hey Joe (Live) – when I relax between tasks.
