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woodezine - Volume
III - Issue V - May 2005
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Ray Lanham
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Although he travels the world, Dallas, Texas is home to master turner Ray Lanham and his business, Coeur de l'Arbre (Heart of the Tree). Much of his work involves segmented turnings. "As a wood artist," Ray says, "my goal is to provide you, the viewer, with an opportunity to explore the beauty and creativity that a compound-stave segmented vessel can offer. This method of construction not only minimizes and conserves the amount of timber that is needed to create wood art; but, as you will see, itÊallows the creation of art that can literally touch your soul." |
Bankok Nights |
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Heart of Darkness |
As a teacher and artist, Ray seeks to share the joy of turning with anybody who is interested. Whether you're a beginning woodturner or a seasoned professional, Ray looks forward to exploring with you the complex art of compound-stave segmented vessel construction. Projects will soon be available on his Web site with step-by-step instructions, and the necessary software that will help you learn and then perfect your skills in using this method of turning. |
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"Having turned my first bowl over 40 years ago," he says, "I was immediately captivated by the spiritual beauty inherent in all wood, and especially in the process of creating art on the lathe. From that initial experience in turning, I was hooked." |
Calabash Memories |
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Et tu, Brute? |
Teaching the art of working wood and participating in the crafting of wood has taken him to many parts of the world. From the Midwest and the Southwestern US, to West and Central Africa, to the sunburnt outback of Australia, he has "been blessed to work with a vast array of exotic wood species. As a result, I have sought to combine and experiment with these rare and beautiful woods in this current series of C/S (compound stave) segmented vessels." |
| "Drawing upon my experiences with wood in near and distant lands," Ray continues, "I now attempt to create pieces that captivate the viewer without the need for an interpretation or an interpreter. Free from the need to explain, clarify or pronounce, the viewer is able to unceremoniously appreciate the form for its intrinsic beauty and delicate grace." |
Jolly Jumbuck |
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I Remember Africa |
"My goal is to produce art in simple, classic shapes that come as near to perfection in finish and form as my skills allow. Therefore, the result is the creation of art works that are as powerful in their intricate design as in their exquisite beauty. Ultimately, it is my intent that these simple classic shapes will inspire the wandering of your imagination and create a lasting monument to the fascinating, endearing, and timeless beauty that is wood." |
| We first came across Ray's name when we saw his sharpening system on David Reed Smith's wonderful turning Web site (when you get there, scroll down until you see a photo of a sharpening setup). |
Seed Pod Series #404 |
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Mombassa |
While some of the pieces shown here have already found new homes in private and public collections around the world, many are still available. If you'd like to ask Ray for pricing on any of these pieces (we thought they were very reasonable, considering the incredible quality), use the e-mail link below to contact him. |
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All text and images on this page are copyrighted and used with the artist's permission. |