ABOUT THE ARTIST

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Hello, Im Ross. I work predominantly with old and reclaimed wood, leather, iron, brass, copper, bronze and steel. I seek the old. The patina on the old is nearly impossible to duplicate and adds character, class and beauty – at least in my eyes. I do not refinish but restore the parts that are re-purposed to something useful, unusual and eclectic. Everything I design, create and build is hand made and one of a kind piece constructed to last centuries. Probably over engineered and often very heavy they can survive the the abuse of most bar brawls and table top dancing if that occasion presents itself.

I travel many miles and spend many hours in search of parts and supplies that have the potential to become something unique. Most times it is a bust but once in a while I strike pay dirt (literally not figuratively), and return with a truck load of things that others cannot imagine can be restored. Dirty, rusted, painted, broken and seemingly useless work for me. 

Following much experimentation and trial and error I have acquired many secrets to bring the old and useless back to life where they become useful and a thing of beauty and art that enhances rooms whether it be commercial or residential.

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"HANDCRAFTED WITH PASSION"
A SHORT STORY

Back when I attended junior high school, shop was a required class for males. One year of wood shop and one year of metal shop. Interesting and I actually learned skills that stayed with me. Though not exercised for decades I still had some skills as a result of those classes. (1960’s)

Fast forward to the purchase of my first house. I had been sharing an apartment with a college buddy following my graduation from the University of Md. I moved and decided to rid myself of the early American ghetto décor. My folks were in western Maryland and suggested that I attend estate auctions up their way and see what I could find for my newly acquired house. (1970’s)

I did as they suggested and found everything for my house. Oh, and a little more. Okay a lot more. You see I discovered, what I considered, really cool really old stuff that most others had no use for or failed to see what they could become. I was there, the prices were reasonable and I knew I would find some use for them. Well, maybe I did not know what I would use everything for. What was I going to do with a pile of mud and dung coated draft horse tack? Who knows, but to me it was old and neat, so into my pickup it went. Barn pulleys, blacksmith tools, iron wagon wheels, wood skis, (I don’t ski), lanterns, chain, and old lumber also went into my truck. So, that lead to a considerable inventory of junk that I liked.

My considerable, by now, stash of “junk” moved with me, much to the bane of the moving companies. My career progressed nicely and my filled basement was nice to look at occasionally.

My Dad aged well but I eventually moved him in with me. Well into his eighties I found a lot and drew plans for a new house where my father could be comfortable. I drew plans, you query! You see back when I was attending high school I took three years of what they called mechanical drawing; T squares, compasses, dividers, pencils and papers – perspectives, hidden lines, “art?”, imagination – yes.

Bringing you up to date, in the spring of 2015, there was a man – me, in need of a space – cave. I had the third floor of my house stick built so if I ever wanted to use the space there were no trusses all over the place. A designing I went and it was finished before Christmas of that year. Now, the furnishings. The space was mine and I could do whatever pleased me, so I did. Most everything in the room save the rugs and upholstered things are designed, created and hand made by me, to the highest standards of course because I would not accept less from others so why from myself.

Voila! Raw materials? On hand, in the basement. To work I went. Old wood beer box end tables, blacksmiths hand cranked post mounted drill press table, coffee table with wood handled RR adjustable wrenches as legs, lamps from hand cranked breast drills, pulleys with lights and shelves from old painted mantels.

January 2016 I host my annual party for my college buds. Attending is 75 to 100 people. All saw the recently finished attack and flattered me endlessly on the creativity, imagination and artistic ability exhibited. I was in utter shock that others saw this work as art. I still don’t but I will never argue with them.

Liftoff. I like creating things that others might find difficult imagining. I light up when others see my work as artistic and something that they have never ever seen before. Fuel for the fire. I created a few things and galleries in Chestertown, Md and Annapolis showed and sold them. They continue to sell my pieces.

So, here I am today to welcome you to my very own shop. I hope to dazzle, amaze, bring a smile, perhaps a laugh, enchant, mesmerize, captivate and maybe even persuade you to buy a real piece of history designed, created and hand made by yours truly of the finest junk I can find.


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