Cubist Chess Board
I designed and made this analytic cubist chess set in the form of symphonic instruments as a gift for a band teacher. At the board level it is 20 inches by 20 inches, at the angled base it is 23 x 23 inches. The entire set is made of 3 woods: amarilla, black walnut and wenge. These woods were identical in color to what Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque used in their analytic cubist paintings. The danger in integrating all 3 colors into every piece on the board is that a chess set strictly for functionality requires instant recognition as to what pieces belong to who, so at the same time as integrating the entire set in color choice, I was careful to make the one side predominantly of dark woods, the other side predominantly of ochre colored amarilla. I have looked at many, many chess sets and have never seen one where all pieces are integrated with the same colors. Also, under non reflective glass are portraits of most of the students in the band class. TO SEE UNDISTORTED IMAGES,LEFT CLICK, THEN CLICK ON OPEN IMAGE IN NEW TAB.The more tiny little angular pieces that you see in a certain piece, those are the ones that took the most time. These pieces could be much more quickly made if varying colors of wood were just sandwiched together and pieces cut out, but that would not be cubism, that would simply be vertical stripes of varying colors of wood.
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.
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.
- 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.
- SS
Stacie Soto
For Carved Swagger Stick4.8Ralph was very diligent during the whole process, he explained everything to me including why he chose the wood he did and the type font. It was nice to have the information when presenting this gift. Ralph was professional, friendly, communicative and extraordinarily talented.
MMMagnus Midtun
For Magnus' Statue5.0Ralph has been an absolute pleasure to work with and the result of the wooden sculpture was nothing but perfect. Through the entire process he has kept me updated and asked for my opinion on the work. I felt very much taken care of through the entire process, as Ralph has showed both through the finished product and how to deal with customers in the most professional and skilful manner. Absolute top marks!
- ET
Ed Talarico
For Ed's Walking Stick4.8I was very pleased with Ralph's work on my project. He had great ideas and his work is outstanding! He updated his work with pictures along the way. I would definitely use him again.
CWCara Walker
For Cara Sculpture5.0I have been working with Ralph Mitchell over the past few years. His level of expertise is incredible. He is always accommodating and open to any modifications that need to made. I hope to work with Ralph on other projects and for many years in the future. Cara Walker
JAJosh Allen
For Josh's cane5.0Ralph did an amazing, outstanding job with my cane, getting all of the intricate details perfect, I am very impressed with it and his skills of craftsmanship. Would highly recommend.
NBNathanael Boone
For cane4.3The final result was awesome. Ralph took the time to work with me despite all the things he had going on. The project took a little longer than I thought because I was in a time crunch, but if you have time, Ralph is definitely the guy. Always professional and willing to take on a project.
- MC
Michael Cure
For Michael's Walking Stick4.7Working with Ralph was a good experience overall. He took my design idea and followed through with it to the final product. I am very happy with the design and carving of the cane. The 4-star review is because of 2 things, the shipping/ delivery time was an extended period even after the cane was completed and then the jewels that were placed on the cane were hot glued, which made for a slightly messy look. Even with the 2 exceptions Ralph's carving of the cane was very good and I am overall pleased with the final product.
- RH
Rafael Huezo
For Rafael's Sculpture5.0 
EREnric Rhoades
For Enric's figurine5.0I'am ecstatic with his work like Oh My God!!! He is so good!! And I would definitely recommend him personally for anyone who wants a statue/figurine sculpture done man!!! he is the best!!!
PLPaula Leeds
For Couple stool5.0I am very happy will all his work, he is a true master at what he does. I'm very happy to have the pleasure to display his work in our home.
- KO
Kenneth O'Pray
For Blessed Mother Statute5.0Ralph Mitchell went over, above and beyond with my project. He made a carving of the Blessed Mother Mary sitting with her Rosary Beads. The detail is exquisite. I would highly recommend him for any project you need to have customer made. He also made a Swan table for my mother about 3 years ago and again it is a masterpiece. The man is very talented and enjoys what he does!
RCRobert Channelle
For Robert's Walking Cane5.0I am very plased with my product. Ralph was very attentive to my emails, my concerns, and my timeline. He also gave me a wonderful idea about a future project. This is my first time using this and Ralph has made this experience wonderful. I have been trying to get this done for some years now...glad I found this site. Thanks, RC
- DF
Dorothy Flores
For Fantasy dragons & faries2.3Ralph is very responsive but I'm not happy with my cane because he did not finish it and it's sloppy. There is glue on the cane that wasn't cleaned up and the faces on my fairies aren't finished being carved out. The cane really doesn't look like an experienced person made it.
- R
RAUL F DEHOGUES
For Canes By A.C.P.5.0RALPH MITCHELL WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL, CARING AND UNDERSTANDING, JUST RECEIVED MY CANE AND IT IS WONDERFUL, AS EXPECTED FROM HIS ARTISAN EXPERTISE. I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM ANY TIME
- MC
Magdan Cvitesic
For Magdan's Magic Wand - Birch, Stag horn handle4.8I am extremely happy with my custom wand. The craftsmanship is top notch. Ralph took my design and put his own little twist on it, the result was a high quality work of art. Communication was also very pleasant and precise; Ralph and I managed to find a common ground which helped him create exactly the type of sculpture that fits my taste. I am also extremely happy with the price to quality ratio this maker offers. Recommendation.
- TG
Thomas Gulbrandsen
For Emperor Palpatine / Darth Insidious Cane5.0Very happy with the finished product, the craftmanship is impressive and just what i needed to complete my costume. Good communication through the whole project. Would recommend to others seeking the same
DWDominik Wehrli
For Emperor Palpatine Cane5.0There are no words to discribe how awseome the cane is. Even the clasp. Thank you so much. Beautiful work.
- BH
Brad Hunter
For Emperor Paplatine Cane 20155.0Ralph was not only very professional, but extremely friendly as he kept in constant contact with me during the project. I just received my order today, and I am thrilled with the finished product. It was even better than I expected. Thank you very much Ralph. I will show it off proudly.
- JF
Julie Fresne
For Julie's totem pole4.8I asked to have a totem pole designed like a drawing I had. The totem pole arrived and it was EXACTLY like the drawing. It was a great job and the seller was communicative throughout the whole process. I would absolutely use the seller again.
COCharles O'Neal
For Charles' Wooden wand with stones5.0Ralph is amazing at what he does! He's timely and even though he's busy, he still replies to questions and concerns one may have. Ralph went through great lengths for my project, using processes that weren't the easiest, but the right way. He gave me updates as he went and was patient and courteous the entire time. If I ever have any other wooden projects to be carved, I would work with him hands down. I also recommend him to anyone who's reading this, his work is stunning and passionate. You can tell the love he has for his craft, and the love he puts into his work.
- JM
Jeanne Miller
For Jeanne's wooden box with rough peridot and silver inlay2.0This artist sent me a product that was poorly made. He followed my instructions on design, but the wooden box he made looked hot glued together, and there was even a hole in the bottom where it looked like he ran out of good wood. The box was not sanded or finished. Over all I am very displeased with his work.
- CW
Cara Walker
For Duplicate statues for awards presentation5.0I have worked with Ralph on several projects. His attention to detail, artistic expertise and timeliness are impeccable. These qualities are exactly what you need on a custom made artistic endeavor. I will be working with him on future projects. Cara Walker
- TT
Thomas Taylor
For Thomas' Sign5.0Ralph did a superb job with my Star Wars-inspired, carved house sign. He nailed the brief and completed the work ahead of his estimated time schedule. I'm so happy with it and couldn't recommend Ralph more highly - he was a pleasure to work with!
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