Subjects
Over the years Ron has experimented with a variety of
subjects including small animals, wildfowl, and caricatures; but he is best
known for his western-themed, human busts. He finds the human figure of
particular interest because of the opportunity to develop the character as a
piece progresses. Deep creases in the weathered skin of a native elder, the
variations of density and depth of pores in a person's face, or the buttery
smooth texture of a well worn leather glove - Ron has become adept at
breathing life into a piece of wood.
Mediums
Each stone or wooden sculpture is truly unique. Basswood or
butternut is well suited to Ron's figurative work where the woodgrain adds
a textural element, and the warm, rich colours add depth of character. As no two
faces are identical, the same is true of each piece of wood.
Soapstone is the perfect medium for subjects with smooth
finishes or gentle folds. Soft, rich colours are characteristic of soapstone,
and often you can find a blend of colours in one piece of stone, adding to a
sculpture's visual depth.
Ron is currently exploring ivory from mammoth tusk and
bronze as other mediums for his
sculptures; enjoying the opportunity to experiment and learn. Snow sculpting is
also a favored pastime, giving him the opportunity to contribute his creative
talents to public art in a team environment.
Through his work in developing ideas for sculptures, Ron
has also developed his talents in drawing with pencil and pastels. His
pencil drawings are available by commission for those who want to
immortalize a family member or corporate figure.
See the Gallery of
Work for examples of Ron's work in the various mediums.
Awards
Although Ron no longer competes in
wood carving competitions, he is proud of the recognition that his work received
from previous events.
Oct.
’04 Toronto, Ontario; 24th International
Ontario Wood Carving Awards
Grizzly: 3rd in Masters
Mar.
’03 Kitchener, Ontario; Owl’s Nest Woodcarving Competition
Two Moons: 2nd in Professional Level
Feb.
’03 London, Ontario; London Wood Show, Artistry In Wood
Two Moons: 1st in Category, 2nd
Best of Show
Jan.
’03 Hamilton, Ontario; Canadian Carving Championships
Two Moons: 2nd in Masters
Oct.
’02 Toronto, Ontario; 23rd International O.W.C.A. Carving
Competition
Two Moons: Best of Masters
Aug.
’02 Buckhorn, Ontario; Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival
Two Moons: 1st in Category, Best of Class
Mar.
’02 Kitchener, Ontario; Owl’s Nest Woodcarving Competition
Chief Joseph: 3rd in Professional Level
Feb.
’02 London, Ontario; London Wood Show,
Artistry In Wood
Flathead Chief: 3rd Best of Show
Oct.
’01 Woodstock, Ontario; Woodstock Wood Show, Upper Canada
Championships
Flathead Chief: 1st in Category, Best of Show Open Class
Oct. ’01 Kingsville, Ontario; Windsor Woodcarving Competition
Flathead Chief: 3rd Best of Show
Mar.
’00 Kitchener, Ontario; Owl’s Nest Woodcarving Competition
Proud Bear: 1st in Category, Best of Level, 2nd
Best of Show
Feb.
’00 London, Ontario; London Wood Show,
Wildfowl and Carving Championships
Proud Bear: 1st
in Category, Best of Level, Best of Show
Nov.
’99 Brantford, Ontario; Brantford Wildfowl and Carving Championships
Proud Bear: 1st in Category, 2nd Best
of Show
Nov.
’98 Brantford, Ontario; Brantford Wildlife and Carving Competition
Generations: 1st in Category, Best in Show
Sept.
’98 London, Ontario; Western Fair Woodcarving Competition
Tale of the Hunt: 1st in Category, People’s Choice Award
Mar.
’98 Kitchener, Ontario; Owl’s Nest Woodcarving Competition
Tale of the Hunt: 1st in Category, Best of Level, Best
of Show
