Ray Wilson graduated with a B.S. degree from the University of Houston in 1963. Approximately one year before graduation Ray was hired to do technical illustration for NASA-MSC at Clear Lake, Texas. Daily exposure to the high technology and science environment at NASA set in motion a love and fascination for space and science which would continue over the next thirty years of free-lance illustration for General Dynamics, Bell Helicopter, World Book Encyclopedia, Otis Engineering, Halliburton, Abbott Laboratories, Alcon Laboratories, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and many others. Raymond is now devoting his full attention to Fine Art. He continues to explore the theme of Space, which has been his pre-occupation for these many years. There is an element of fantasy and creativity in his new work along with an obvious understanding and appreciation of technology and respect for craftsmanship. Ray's new works on aluminum are not painting alone, but a skillful combination of sculpture and painting. A combination of grinding, sanding, drilling, shaping, etching and the addition of bold colorful painting. In addition, he uses many unexpected elements such as sand, gravel, tumble polished stones, hand cut and polished minerals such as Mexican Lace Agate, Malachite, Raw Copper, Gilt wood, screws, rivets and other elements which contribute heavily to the final three-dimensional effect. Finished pieces truly have a three-dimensional quality. They're almost holographic and actually seem to move. The process is very time consuming and each piece is totally his own handiwork. Inspired by a sincere love and fascination with the universe of which we are seemingly so small a part. Are we alone? Not a chance! |
