Ray and Martha Rountree, from Suffolk Virginia, are contemporary woodturners. Their collaborative work elevates the ancient and utilitarian tradition of woodturning to a contemporary, artistic level, which appeals to the audience interested in nature, sculpture and the decorative arts.

Ray’s turning career developed in late 2003, following Hurricane Isabel and his retirement from shipyard sheet-metal fabrication. His wood "canvas" is provided by damaged or destroyed trees, mostly from the Rountree’s farm. Combining Ray’s technical skills with Martha’s nature-themed designs, their work involves a mixed-media-process – beginning with turning, and continuing with piercing, sculpting, texturing, inlay, pyrography coloring. Each piece requires weeks to create, and frequently assumes a porcelain-like appearance. More information may be found on their website.

www.BowlsByTree.com