Carmel woodturner Ralph Buschbacher lets you become the artist at the next Meet Me On Main gallery walk, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 9. He’ll bring a supply of blank ornaments and the tools you need to woodburn designs on one that is sure to become a cherished memory. With support from the city of Carmel, the Make and Take project at Indiana Artisan Gifts & Gallery, 22 N. Rangeline Road, Carmel, is free.
Ralph, one of the newest artisans in the Indiana Artisan store and organization, uses a wide range of finishes for his bowls, platters and vases. Talk with him about his work as he demonstrates the various steps of decorating vases. Enjoy a cup of cheer, too. There will be hot spiced cider for all, and Larry Gindhart will provide live music on Native American flutes.
Geometric shapes, repeating patterns or organic shapes from nature inspire Ralph, who has crafted furniture most of his adult life but shifted to woodturning for the past 10 years. “I decide on the shape of the wood and what would best fit my inspirational idea, and then decide the best way to decorate it,” he says. His toolbox of decorating ideas include woodburning or texturing tools to create shapes and India ink, stain, interference or acrylic paint, metallic paint, gold leaf, or resin inlay for color.
The ways he combines media in unique, balanced ways and the satin-smooth finishes of his pieces make his work exceptional.
Come see for yourself at Meet Me On Main, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 9.
