Charity's Memorial
Charitiy's mom taught school for 29 years and is noww retiring. Charity was able to get dozens of fellow teachers, students, herself her dad and such to provide statements describing their memories of her teaching. Charity asked me to incorporate these into a memorial project. We are all familiar with the brass tags stuck to a board, well, Charity and I had other ideas, so she allowed me to design and make the memorial project for her. So, revisiting the glorious Art Nouveau past, instead of copying what has been done previously, I attempted to create what an Emille Galle or a Louis Majorelle or a Eugene Gaillard would create if they were still alive and had available modern technology. So, I did what to my knowledge has never been done, a back lit with LEDs since it is intended to hang on the wall where light will not go through it, stained glass, Art Nouveau cherry wood sash instead of lead window, with excerpts from quotations reverse painted on the glass, her class room portrait applied to the glass roundel, and, 98% of the remaining quotations I incised onto the copper cowling that I wrapped all around the outside perimeter. So far as colors, the teacher likes purple, so do I, purple, however is a strong color, and for me, strong colors are to be used like spices, quite sparingly and judiciously. So, I put three small ticks of grape purple at the base, then the palest purple wherever I needed text to show through, then transitioning with yellow/gold into a streaky sunset orange marmalade sky, sunset orange implying the sunset years of life. Well, I think that I covered everything except how i feel about this project, this is the sort of thing that I love and already have an idea percolating in my head for the next one, and I love, love, love those LED lights.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Working alone, I state working alone because nearly everything that I design and make are works of art made by me alone and signed by me for 20+ years, Ralph produces furnishings and signs rebelling against "mechanical mediocrity" refusing to work within the limitations imposed by machines and produce objets d'art which can only be accomplished with many hours/days/weeks/months of hand tooling.
To summarize, I am an artisan, not merely a furniture maker. Thank you for your interest in my fascination.
- SA
SOMAYAH ALZAHRANY
For Special wood sculpture iead Project5.0I'm very grateful to deal with mr. ralph , and I'm sure it's not the last deal , you'r amazing person mr. ralph and a really great artist .
DJDavid Jagger
For Karate God Busaganashi4.8I am extremely pleased with my Busaganashi. Working with Ralph was a pleasure and I would certainly work with him again on other projects and give him a strong recommendation for anyone looking for quality work.
CCharity
For Retirement Memories5.0Ralph was exceptionally patient though my long term project. He constantly kept in communication with me, taking to heart my ideas and concerns. He went above and beyond to get everything put together with creative style that shows his value of wanting not to just make something but be a part of something that you treasure which makes him uniquely qualified.
- N
Nathaniel
For I owe you an apology4.8Ralph is a true artist. He will go above and beyond what you expect to make the project you really want. For him, quality is best and he will not cut on details.
I will definitely work again with him (I'm actually working with him on a project of 52 chess pieces), and am glad to have him to make this project come to reality.
The value you will get is extraordinary, as well as the professionalism and expertise you will benefit from when working with him. Timeliness and shipping also are on point.
Communication is essential and Ralph will keep you informed. Even when we had a small miscommunication (which wasted some of Ralph's time), he fixed the detail (even if he didn't need to) to give me an amazing piece!
I cannot give 6 stars (unfortunately, even though he deserves them) so I'll have to settle by giving Ralph 5 stars.
- AL
Anna Lamie
For Anna's Wooden Stethoscope sculpture5.0Working with Ralph was an absolutely fantastic experience. His enthusiasm and dedication to my project was more than I ever could have asked for. He has incredible knowledge and talent, and his finished product will be treasured for many years to come! Anyone would be lucky to work with Ralph, I know I am looking forward to working with him again!!
Maker Policies
Discover true craftsmanship each week
A guide to the best items from the best makers and the stories behind them.