Keith Tompkins (USA) coloured ash hollow form withfinial 25x9cm. SignedI first started woodturning before I was aware of groups such as the AAW and books such as Ray’s “The Basic Box” were critical to my growth as a turner. I owe my end grain hollowing techniques to Ray; the first time I saw a spindle gouge used to turn a box simply changed the way I turn. I still use the same technique. I was fortunate to finally meet Ray at the 35th Utah Woodturning Symposium, where we were both demonstrating.This was a fun collaboration; Ray described himself as a “purist” and me well not so much! So, I felt it was most important to keep the shape that Ray started exactly as it was as I removed the excess wood from the base and finished the hollowing process. I figured Ray wouldn’t mind if I added a bit of colour, so a layer of black was applied and sanded back and then the transparent green was airbrushed over it. I finished the piece with several coats of lacquer. I love turning finials so it only seemed fitting using the basics: beads and coves, separated by fillets. I think the purist in Ray would have approved.The Ray Key Collaboration Auction