Spiritwind is pleased to present
Gary Ross

Gary's Newest
(added Dec 8, 2006)

This bowl has a Cocobolo base from Mexico, a midlle of Tasmanian Eucalyptus and a Padouck Rim from Cameroon.

9" wide by 4.5" high

(Ref 7-06)
$495

Artisan is a title that Gary Ross finds a bit pretentious and inappropriate for what he does. It is his belief that the beauty and artistry inherent in wood is already far superior to anything that man can create. Gary's goal is to find ways to uncover, shape, highlight and present wood so that there is greater opportunity for everyone who sees it to enjoy its beauty as much as he does. He is always disappointed if he fails at that pursuit, and confounded when others do not pause to take in the textures, grain, colors and depth of the wood.

Gary's Newest
(added Nov 1, 2006)

This vessel is made from Gancalo Alves, one of the most beautiful tropical hard woods from Brazil. The bowl is accented with Bisbee Turqouise inlay on the rim.

13.5" wide by 3.5" high

(Ref 6-06)
$795

Woodturning is the method Gary uses most often to expose the wood's beauty and the lathe is the tool at the center of this process. He is self taught in its operation and in the use of the various cutting tools that accompany the lathe. Gary became fascinated with wood turning after reading a magazine article about it fourteen years ago. Immediately inspired, he decided right then, "I can do that." Indeed he has been doing it ever since but does not recommend his approach for anyone who might share his interest. Gary cautions that turning can be very dangerous if not done prudently. "There is a great deal of value," he warns "in knowing the limitations and hazards associated with turning before one commences. The rewards and satisfaction, however, can de tremendous when you're able to take a rough piece of gnarled ugly wood and reveal its inner beauty."

This vessel is made of Tiger Maple with a stem of Wenge and Bubinga.

7" wide by 6" high

(Ref 3-06)
$365

This vessel is made from an end grain turned Walnut log from Arkansas. Allowed to dry for six years before it was turned, Bisbee turquoise was then inlaid where stress fractures resulted. Inlace was added to the bottom. End grain turning is more difficult but emphasizes features that would otherwise be lost. The sixty-six growth rings are made visible and, added to the drying time, confirm this piece to be at least 72 years old. It was completed with four coats of high quality finish and machine buffed with a hard wax.

12" wide by 8" high

(Ref 5-06)
$1195

Gary has been an Arizona resident since 1954 and gave thirty two years of service in local law enforcement. He is a graduate of the University of Arizona, an Arizona veteran, and retired as the Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigation Bureau for the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Gary's fascination with wood has been life long and he continues, to this day, to challenge himself as he experiments with a variety of techniques. As a member of the American Association of Wood Turners, and the Arizona Association of Fine Woodworkers, he is passionate about sharing one of nature's most precious gifts: "the beauty hidden within trees."

This vessel is made from Camphorwood which is generally from Asia, Japan, and Australia. This particular piece came to me from Kauai, Hawaii through Robert Hamada (who was a master turner featured at the University of Hawaii) probably as beach debris.

9.5" wide by 3.5" high

(Ref V9)
$250

This vessel is made from Camphorwood from Kauai, Hawaii, also provided by Robert Hamada. The voids left in the vessel make it much more difficult to complete the turning but create a unique visual impact.

9.5" wide by 7.25" high

(Ref V10)
$495

Some of the more interesting pieces Gary has created have been made from rescued firewood, downed trees and wood from older building renovations. When he uses exotic and imported wood they are purchased exclusively from suppliers who are actively involved in government sponsored reforestation programs.

This vessel is made
of African Paduak and domestic Maple in a "stave" configuration.

9" wide by 5" high

(Ref V5)
$300

This turning is made from a Mesquite tree destined for the landfill as result of wind damage. The inside is inlaid with 'Bisbee Blue' turquoise, set in resin, and 'Inlace' is used to highlight the outside. The outer rim has silver set into 'Inlace'.

12.75" wide by 4.75" high

(Ref V2)
SOLD

Wine Stopper Sets
$295 - $395

~6" wide by ~6.5" high

Pepper Grinder (not shown)
$295

Gary's elegant "Wine Stoppers"

Only a few are shown below, but a wide variety are available.
They are made of exotic woods with precision inlays,
each nesting upon a beautiful holder.
They also have corkscrews hidden within.