Raleigh Street Gallery

Russell was born in Japan and even as a child began to appreciate Japanese art forms. 

His love of making things with his hands moved him from carving, to wood working, to working in slate. 

He was intrigued by overcoming “impossible” designs and making things that were different.

He taught himself the skills, made some of his early tooling

and developed new techniques to form slate into containers and objects. 

As he sold pieces he invested in specialized, time saving tools, but still enjoys the

challenge of the old fashioned, by-hand process.

He has been “slating” for about ten years, now working mostly in custom work

(similar to what you see, but with different materials or dimensions)

and commissioned work.  His outdoor “studio” does not lend to working in