RALPH BUSCHBACHER has been working with wood all his life. He started making furniture at a young age and became an accomplished woodworker. He eventually turned to woodturning as well and now specializes in the decoration of platters, bowls, and spindle turnings. His work incorporates multiple modes of surface enhancement, and he has developed numerous innovative techniques. His signature styles incorporate combinations of pyrography, resin inlays, gold leaf, staining, india ink, acrylic paint, and interference paint to create beautiful and unique heirloom pieces. Ralph had won numerous awards and prizes for his work. He has been accepted as a visiting artist at Cazenovia Artisans, an art gallery in Cazenovia, New York. This was through a juried process. He was also named a finalist at Art Comes Alive in 2022 and 2023. This is an international juried art competition, and his work is displayed at the ADC FineArt Gallery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ralph has been accepted through a juried process as an “Indiana Artisan”, which is given to the best of the best in Hoosier artistry and craftmanship. His work is displayed at the Indiana Artisan Galleries. He is also a passionate teacher, and in addition to his skills with wood, he is a Professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a martial arts instructor. He has taught nationally and internationally in both fields.