After being born and raised in Albuquerque, Ray worked for Paxton Lumber Co. near Old Town Albuquerque for 37 years. 

Twenty years ago, he got serious about carving, and has attended workshops in Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Missouri.  He especially likes to carve caricatures, Indians, and Santas!

He uses Basswood and Butternut wood from Wisconsin, and Spanish Cedar and Aspen from New Mexico.