RAY FORD

Introductory Statement

My fascination with wood and art is lifelong. I made my living for 15 years carving stylized birds from exotic woods and wholesaling to art galleries.
Since utility items are best made of glass, metal or porcelain, I think of my wood pieces as decorative art. I enjoy turning pieces of art from firewood or found wood.
You may see some examples of my work below

Mahogany Compote - This was fabricated from three pieces of the same wood. The pieces were bounded onto a threaded rod not only for strength but ease of assembly. The indented design was created freehand with a cylinder burr in a Foredom power tool. Multiple coats of spray-can lacquer was applied and then the piece was hand polished. Wood: Mahogany Dimensions: 7" Diameter, 6" High
Humming Bird Bowl - This piece has a burned, freehand design. The bowl was finished with spray lacquer. Wood: Cypress Dimensions: 6" Diameter, 4" High
Natural Edge Bowl - Shellac sealer & finish was applied and then the piece was hand waxed. Wood: Mesquite Dimensions: 5 1/4" Diameter, 6" High
Autumn Leaves - This bowl has leaves burned into the rim. The natural wood color shows nicely through it's lacquered finish. Wood: Mahogany Dimensions: 9 1/2" Diameter, 2" High
Wineglass - This was fabricated from three pieces of the same wood. Then it was sprayed with triple-thick Krylon and left shiny. Wood: India Rosewood Dimensions: 6" High
Supported Bowl - Turned from elm, this bowl was left thick and heavy for effect. A lacquered finish was used. Wood: Elm Dimensions: 9" Wide, 5" High
Marble Inlay Bowl - The design was done with a burner and a dremel tool. Then the design was filled with powdered marble in an emulsion. When the design had cured, the bowl was sanded and lacquered. Wood: India Rosewood Dimensions: 8" Diameter, 3 1/4" High
Filigreed Sq. Bowl - The Corners were pierced (without a drawn pattern) with a handheld Foredom tool using a flexshaft with a 3/32 fishtail cutter. The bowl was then sanded and lacquered. Wood: Koa Dimensions: 7 1/4" Wide
February 08 Mock Orange	Stained Glass Bowl February 08 Mock Orange
February 08	February 08 Walnut and Mock Orange
February 08 Walnut inner and Mock Orange shell

updated 04/16/2008