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.
Three Bears Turner 
June 26, 2010 at 4:07 AM
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!
June 26, 2010 at 12:39 PM
Thank you Larry.
August 6, 2021 at 8:22 PM
Hi my name is vonnie sims I live in Billings. I have a question as to whether or not you would be interested in buying a crabapple tree with large burls on it. I see on our site you work with burls so I was curious as if buy from private sellers. I have photos if you would like to see them. Thank you for your time.
August 6, 2021 at 8:44 PM
Look forward to what you have for sale
July 28, 2010 at 9:26 PM
Hello Ron .Now I see your work I must keep an eye out for an engaging stump .Perhaps from down under ? .Keith
July 29, 2010 at 3:08 AM
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.
January 24, 2011 at 8:35 AM
Hey Ron
Peter told me about your website.
Your work is really beautiful!
Cousin Judy UK
September 24, 2011 at 3:10 PM
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
September 24, 2011 at 3:35 PM
Vivian, I know you meant Visions West, when you came from the Danforth opening. Glad you enjoyed them.