Ray Jones was born in 1955 and grew up in a small town in Northern California. During the summer months of his college years he worked as a construction laborer/carpenter's assistant, where he became proficient at making things with his hands. After completing a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in 1976, he moved to Southern California to work for an aerospace propulsion firm. While setting up his first household he bought tools instead of furniture, then made his furniture. Once his home was furnished, he turned his attention to making gifts-including a unique jewelry box for his future wife. This box design became the foundation for his woodworking career which began in 1982 when he left his engineering job. Since then he has been making wood boxes full-time and selling them at craft shows and through selected galleries. In 1990 he moved to Western North Carolina where he now lives with his wife, Linda, and their three children.

Artist Statement

I enjoy making wood boxes, turned or otherwise. A wood box should be just that: wood. So, as much as possible I use only wood in my boxes, including the hinges, fasteners, and drawer slides. I am fascinated by wooden mechanisms, and the intersections of various geometric shapes.

The tremendous variety of woods that exist in the world fascinate me. I try to use sustainably harvested, plantation grown, salvaged, or otherwise "environmentally friendly" woods whenever possible.

I want my boxes to feel as good as they look, so I finish them with a multiple coats of a linseed oil/polyurethane/mineral spirits mixture, and rub them to a silky smooth finish.

RJwdcrafts@aol.com         828-298-6007