I often hear folks comment on the great synthetic materials that I have used for eleven plus years. You sort of become known for using specific materials. In my case it’s acrylics, cellulose acetate and resins. There is a risk involved with such a strong association. Like an actor one really doesn’t want to become “type cast”. And while I appreciate that my work is followed, and that it is well-known enough that I could be come “type cast”, what is perceived is at variance with reality. A good part of that misconception is my own fault as the vast majority of my work is never seen on this web page. So, from time to time I like to show a smattering of my work, in this case a small sample of what often goes on in my shop involving the use of natural materials.

As you can see, Ming does indeed have wood. It's been that way from day one back in 1998. And that’s not to mention my bamboo tampers, Shrooms, and Hira, which are predominantly natural materials, pieces that specifically aren’t shown here as they have been seen before. What you see above is just a sampling of the pieces that I have done recently with natural materials such as briar, amboyna burl, and mammoth. Tamp ends range from brass, aluminum, all the way to Mokume Gane. So, enjoy the photos, and remember that Ming has wood.