Cindy Drozda (USA) Coloured rippled ash hollow form 28x8cm. SignedI first “met” Ray through his VHS videos, in the mid-90s. I was learning to make boxes by watching Ray’s video. I’d watch the video, go to the lathe, and then watch some more. In this way, Ray taught me to make boxes. I still use his signature spindle gouge on my boxes today.When I attended my first Symposium, 2001 in Utah, Ray was one of the demonstrators. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Ray was open and friendly, and that I could actually talk to my woodturning hero! Since then, I have met Ray at numerous Symposiums. He was a skillful demonstrator and teacher, and always friendly. I consider myself very fortunate to have known Ray. He is one of the giants of woodturning, and our field would not be as rich without his contributions.It is a great honour to have been chosen as one of the participants in this collaborative tribute. My contribution is a vessel that Ray rough hollowed from curly Ash. I have left the shape as Ray formed it, only smoothing it out and turning away the chucking tenon. The finish is my style of colouring technique, and the finial and pedestal are my signature elements. The vessel is all Ray’s. Hopefully he is as proud of this piece as I am!The Ray Key Collaboration Auction