Meet The Maker

Every piece begins the same way — with a rough square of wood, a steady hand, and the patience to let the material speak first.

Michael Schindewolf is a self-taught artisan working under the name Ratlum Mountain Wood Craft — a tribute to the local landscape he cherishes. His distinctive practice was built through passion, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, merging the organic beauty of exotic woods with the contemporary vibrancy of acrylic resins.

The journey began in 2017 with a commission from the heart: designing and building a custom entertainment center for his daughter. That foundational project ignited a creative passion that steadily evolved, growing through sophisticated furniture work — corner shelving systems, complete bedroom sets, heirloom hope chests, and elegant standalone floor cabinets.

In 2019, the acquisition of his first lathe opened the door to the refined art of woodturning, beginning with handcrafted pens generously shared as gifts with friends and family. The enthusiastic reception of those early pieces revealed both a natural talent and an appreciation for the work — leading to the formal establishment of Ratlum Mountain Wood Craft in 2021.

Michael's approach is distinguished by fearless experimentation: pairing exotic wood species with boldly colored acrylic resins so each piece honors the inherent beauty of natural grain while reading distinctly modern. Every piece represents not just finished work, but a step in an ongoing education — one built on careful observation, thoughtful experimentation, and learning from both successes and setbacks. That methodology has fostered an authentic creative voice that values innovation over convention.

Respect for the material extends to where it comes from. Alongside sustainably-sourced pen blanks, Michael turns reclaimed timber — giving new life to wood that might otherwise be discarded, and carrying a richness of history and character into each creation that new lumber simply cannot offer.

Michael draws creative energy from a full life beyond the workshop. As both a martial arts instructor and dedicated practitioner, he brings the same discipline, focus, and respect for tradition to his woodworking. Cycling through local terrain, camping under open skies, and kayaking keep him connected to the natural world that provides his raw materials — a meaningful cycle where the woods and waters that refresh his spirit also flow through his hands into finished art.