Taking up woodturning was not something I started “out of the blue”. Having worked with woods for over forty years has given me a genuine appreciation for its beauty as well as the difficulty in producing a fine end result. One time at a friend’s house I saw a small gnarly manzanita bowl that took my breath away and at the same time said to me ‘you can do that’. Five years later, the enjoyment produced by taking a piece of burl, stump or just plain log continues to drive me to seek beauty through form.
When I am in my shop usually there is music in the background, a common attribute for many artists in whatever medium they work. It must be the rhythm. Music has been an important part of my entire life. I played the cello and bass for many years and learned the value of repetition from playing etudes and scales ad nauseum . They looked so easy, but to do them well required endless hours of practice. This same repetitive process has transferred itself to my woodturning. Like that first manzanita bowl, the time required to produce a quality piece is earned over time from practice, practice and more practice.
When you view my work, either in person or on my website, you will see few pieces that are similar, as I primarily work with stumps and burls, which many times simply would have been added to a burn pile elsewhere. My challenge is to take these pieces and turn them into something esthetically pleasing. For within each new piece generally there resides real beauty if you study and follow the character of the wood to a logical end point. Not everyone will like all or perhaps any of my work, but I spend an appreciable amount of time studying the wood before and during the turning process in an attempt to produce something pleasing to the eye.
Ron, I like your art and your website…I look forward to viewing a collection of your work next month in your first show of the year…enjoy yourself!
Comment by Larry singer — June 26, 2010 @ 4:07 am |
Thank you Larry.
Comment by threebearsturner — June 26, 2010 @ 12:39 pm |
Hello Ron .Now I see your work I must keep an eye out for an engaging stump .Perhaps from down under ? .Keith
Comment by keith trotman — July 28, 2010 @ 9:26 pm |
Keith, thanks for taking the time to look at the site. As you can see I am having fun. There is some great Aussie wood, but the freight kills you and I use large pieces. Take care.
Comment by threebearsturner — July 29, 2010 @ 3:08 am |
Hey Ron
Peter told me about your website.
Your work is really beautiful!
Cousin Judy UK
Comment by Judy — January 24, 2011 @ 8:35 am |
Ron , I loved seeing your work at the Danforth Gallery last night. I particularly liked the burl bowl, so beautiful. Keep turning on your mountain. Best, Vivian
Comment by Vivian Bridaham — September 24, 2011 @ 3:10 pm |
Vivian, I know you meant Visions West, when you came from the Danforth opening. Glad you enjoyed them.
Comment by threebearsturner — September 24, 2011 @ 3:35 pm |