Joe Ransmeier

I have lived in Western North Carolina since 1963, and since 1974
have had my own business doing carpentry and cabinetmaking. I studied woodworking at Penland School of Crafts, Asheville-Buncombe Technical College and at Arrowmont School of Crafts and the Appalachian Center for Crafts. I have a BA in Psychology and a BC in Theatre from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

I have worked in my present studio in the river district for nine
years now. It is important for me to have a nurturing work environment where I can create with integrity from my heart. I do my best to maintain a sacred space in my workshop and seek to honor the beings who have given their lives to provide materials by creating useful and beautiful objects worthy of that gift. I enjoy the growing sense of community we have here in the river district.

I create a wide variety of custom wood products for individuals, residences, institutions and commercial applications. I enjoy collaboration with clients including architects, designers, other artists, and industrial customers. My work is articularly known for careful attention to details. I work primarily with appalachian hardwoods as well as softwoods, plywoods, & composite materials to fulfill my clients needs and desires. While I prefer to let the
natural beauty of the wood show with a clear oil or surface finish, I also produce some painted and laminate covered work and have made pedestals and displays for art galleries. Whenever possible I use water-borne finishes and seek to work in the least toxic, most
environmentally conscious way available.

I have a particular passion for making drums and other ceremonial objects. I have made African style drums, ashikos and dum dums, as well as frame drums. I'm currently working on a large drum made from a maple log. I have also created shrines and boxes to contain or display sacred objects. Please feel free to contact me, perhaps I can help you realize your dream.