John Ragless is a wood turner artist from Adelaide. He discovered wood turning upon retirement from a career as a cartographer. Some of the skills developed with the aesthetic aspects in making maps have come to the fore in the wood pieces that John has been creating over the last 10 years. He has been an exhibiting member at TOTT gallery for 5 years and has work in a number of other galleries in South Australia.
In John’s own words – “I am a hobbyist ‘woody’ who accidentally became a wood turner. My wife and son bought a lathe for my 60th birthday. The same year, I joined a great wood turning club, and that was the start of my career as a wood turning artist. Surrounded by fellow turners at club meetings you can only learn and be inspired by the creativity of people. This was the beginning of my love for wood turning and I have been on an adventure ever since.
Very soon I realised I needed a sales outlet for my creations so hence my journey into the world of art galleries and craft shops. I love being involved with artists from different disciplines This sparked my continued exploration of wood with other mediums like epoxy resins and acrylic paints. I want to keep working to improve my skills and further cultivate my artistic point of view with wood.
The bowls that I create are both functional and reflect the colours and textures of the Adelaide Hills. They are made from a variety of different woods with some different finishes and can incorporate a rolled rim highlighted with acrylic paint. With the pine wood bowls I have added a water based dye to enhance the natural grain. All the bowls have been sealed with a food safe danish oil.
Being a member of Top of the Torrens Gallery has allowed me to extend my creativity by adding colour to my wood pieces using paint and resin dyes. My work is sold in several galleries and craft outlets. I will never stop learning. “
Here are examples of John’s work.