Ron Fleming is the premier carver of turned vessels and his works are in numerous collections and galleries including the White House. He was an illustrator for over 40 years and has a mechanical engineering background. Initially he was a carver - then a turner and now a full time carver of his turnings. His carving has progressed from carving vessel tops to extensive open leaf and flower carvings extending over the entire vessel surface.

The inspiration for his work comes mostly from natures art forms such as flowers, leaves and landscapes. His extensive illustrating using the air brush and his mechanical engineering knowledge enables him to transform his two dimensional concepts into three dimensional forms with the resulting magnificent results. He is a founding member of AAW and has taught extensively. Ron's work goes beyond excellence. He has been able to free up his work and let it "sing."

The demonstration began with a most interesting slide show that depicted Ron and his wife Patti's, studio in Tulsa Oklahoma. They purchased the old Tulsa incinerator building and grounds and trans-formed the brick structure into their studio and home. Extensive gardens surround the studio and provide many of natures art forms that Ron uses in his carvings. During the slide presentation, Ron answered many questions about his work and its progression. He discussed the woods he uses and the various tools used to provide the final results. Several of his favorite woods include ivory, hackberry and various burls. Also discussed were his airbrush painted vessels, which can require up to 400 hours to complete. Much of his work is turned dramatically off-center. In order to visualize the final results he uses multiple cross-section diagrams. Besides being off-center, his work is may be very large and heavy. To accommodate these requirements he uses a very large lathe weighing about 3000 pounds.

After lunch Ron demonstrated several types of carvings. He began with a fluted bowl and showed how the patterns were laid out both on the upper larger circumference and the smaller, lower one. Tool diameter or size is a factor depending on the pattern and vessel size. Vessels are fixed to a stand that is adjust-able both for height and angle. This frees both of Ron's hands to control his carving and tools. He used an air drive drum sander to carve the patterns scribed on the vessel. Following the air tool, a Foredom tool was used. Then hand sanding was employed for further refinement. Eighty grit was used for carving and finer grits up to 400 for final surfacing. A linear electric sander by Dremel was used for smaller, less accessible areas. Once the top and sides were fluted the vessel was removed from the stand and the lower, smaller area was detailed. Multiple Foredom handles were used to eliminate frequent tip changes and to increase efficiency. The carbide tips were cleaned with a pro-pane torch and safety factors discussed.

Second a reverse fluted vessel was shown on the chalk board and details discussed. Vessel walls are left about one quarter inch thicker than non-fluted vessels to allow for pattern details.

Third, a flared top vessel was discussed, especially the formation of the rim. The rim was formed on the lathe and then the pattern was cut out using an air powered saw. This area was then power sanded. The vessel sides were protected with 200 mile an hour tape (Duct tape). This prevented damaging the vessel walls as a result of subsequent work. Details of the leaf pattern were formed using a fine pointed Foredom carbide tip burr. Drum sanders were then used to round off the leaf edges. Hand sanding finalized the leaf pattern. Ron stressed that bright overhead lighting was essential. Rifling was then done to establish finishing details. He stated that he wanted his finished pieces to appear to be floating on the surface they are sitting on.

Lastly a full patterned open leaf vessel was demonstrated showing how the pattern was laid out, especially to achieve graceful flowing lines. Open areas were drilled out and then sawed with the air saw. Encroaching on pattern lines was avoided so that grooves were not formed on leaf edges. Edges were rounded with the air grinder and details further defined with the air drum sander. Hand finishing was completed with rifling, rasping and sanding. The leaf surfaces were then formed and finished.

Several power tools were demonstrated: two by Arbor Tech and one by Foredom. Interior detail carving was shown using the Foredom tool placed in- side a length of PVC pipe and duct taped in place. This achieved length to reach the lower inside vessel walls. Only the ball grinding end piece was used. Finishing was discussed. This included bleaching and the use of multiple coats (20-30) of acrylic lacquer and steel wool. Final buffing is done on the lathe to achieve a semi-gloss finish. Ron tries to avoid mirror surfaces. On some pieces he sand blasts the carved portions. This provides a contrast between those areas and other parts of the vessel body. His final demonstration showed a magnificent, large, carved, turned spalted hackberry cactus. As a final note, Ron was asked how much a piece is worth. He simple stated. "It depends on whose name is on it."

--By Bob Gunther

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