From his farm’s woodlands, Ray Rountree salvages
trees damaged by storm or insect infestation
(cherry, maple, elm, sycamore, magnolia, oak,
etc.). He prefers turning "green wood" which
is easier on the tools and the turner, but which
require a drying time of weeks or months between
the Rough-Turning and the Final-Turning stages.
Using no sketch or pattern, he develops the
piece on the lathe as he turns. This provides
opportunity to "read" the wood, and
flexibility to make changes to best reveal
Mother Nature’s "beauty marks"!
Ray’s tools are his wood lathes, each weighing
about 900 pounds, and smaller tools – such
as tiny, dental bits. Several coats of lacquer
are applied to protect and enhance the soft-look
of the natural wood and grain patterns.
Today you’ll find Ray in his "Studio" 8
to 10 hours a day, using his hidden talents
to reveal Mother Nature’s "hidden secrets."
Martha, a former elementary school teacher
and Ray’s soul mate, initially supported Ray
by coordinating his exhibitions, managing inventory,
and critiquing quality. However, an "expressive
itch" and Ray’s insistence eventually
drew her into his "creative web" to
become his Embellishment Designer. Embellishments
are added with the intent of complimenting
(not hiding) the wood "canvas." The
design is sketched in pencil on Ray’s
turned, rough-form for him to inlay, carve
or sculpt. Martha is responsible, also, for
executing any pyrographic (woodburning) elements.
Reflecting on their endeavors, Ray and Martha
acknowledge that the evolution, success and
versatility of their work are the result of
their partnership.
www.bowlsbytree.com
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