Mike Scott (USA) textured and coloured ash hollow form 26x11cm. SignedI first met Ray in the early 80’s and we got to know each other through the formation of the AWGB, where I was one of the founder members and sat on the Committee. We would meet at various members houses, and were happy to put together the very first AWGB Seminar, with overseas presenters, in 1987.After that, Ray and I would meet at Craft Fairs, and eventually at Chelsea Craft Fair, as well as at subsequent AWGB Seminars. I have enjoyed many visits to his home, many hours of interesting conversation, he always had his finger on the ‘pulse’….who was going to be the next ‘star’, what was happening world-wide and so on. He was a mine of information and a source of wisdom.Our last collaboration was when Tony Boase died. Tony was dear friend of mine, and it was mooted to hold a Tribute to him in honour of the folks whose lives he’d touched, and I worked mostly with Ray in putting that together. I’m so happy that the AWGB decided to do a similar project on behalf of Ray, as his influence and inspiration was worldwide.My Tribute piece.I called it ‘Chaos’ – as a reflection of the times we live in, but also representing the connectedness of everything – the hundreds of ‘piercings’ symbolizing the amazing ‘brotherhood’ of turning – wherever you may be in the world – if you meet a ‘woodie’ , you have an instant friend..! It also indicates the extent to which Ray’s influence spread around the world.He is sadly missed….The Ray Key Collaboration Auction