My work strives to help people recognize the artistic value inherent in ordinary objects typically associated only with a functional purpose. By experimenting with form, pattern, and surface manipulation, I hope to surprise people with a sophisticated yet playful approach to making everyday functional objects: bowls, vases, peppermills, etc. Inspired by organic shapes found in nature, the basic structure of my designs is either turned on a lathe, cast or spun (if in metal), hand-shaped or constructed. I make use of dyes, paints, burning, and carving to add complexity to the designs, all of which induce the kind of visual excitement that tempts people to touch the work. A primary goal of my work has always been to force people to reevaluate their assumptions about the intrinsic artistic value of commonplace items.
Raw Design start 25 years ago and during that time we have sold over 100,000 grinders and shakers. The mechanism we use is unique in the industry. It was designed and patented here in the United States by William Bounds in the 60’s and is actually a crusher, not a grinder. This mechanism works on compression. Each mechanism has an industrial grade ceramic rotor that crushes the salt or pepper against the stainless steel hull. The other feature that makes this mechanism unique is, because of its design, the adjustment is the opposite of most grinders sold today. By tightening the knob you can achieve a coarser grind or by loosening the knob for a finer grind. And because of this design, if you keep the adjustment in the fine position and pull up on the top while turning back and forth the grind will become coarser. When you let go of the top it will return to the fine setting.