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Something really exciting has happened this year. You might already know, a few years ago I started a new path working in Art and Heritage Restoration, a rewarding way to apply my fine arts background, and nerd out about materials and processes.
Here I am cleaning a Henry Moore sculpture at the AGO in 2011.
I learned that I'm really great at repairs that use color matching and fine motor skills, like repairing broken ceramics, furniture and damaged artworks. After several years of study, hands on training, internships and contract work, an opportunity to specialize (and start a business) has finally come into my life. At last my tools have purpose again!
I began an apprenticeship in Lutherie- the restoration and repair of stringed instruments in the violin family. (As a kid I’d played viola, but when faced with the choice between music and art, I chose the quieter option!) If you've never heard the words Luthier, or Lutherie before... that's because there are very few people who practice this masterful craft. And even fewer women.
Lutherie is a delicate art that combines so many fine skills, infinite patience, dedication, and working with devotion from the heart. I’ve completed some full restorations of instruments that have been silent for indeterminable periods of time, really old fiddles from the 18th century! When they come along from a broken state to being playable, these instruments have a life again, and a voice. Then they go into another artist’s hands, and more magic happens. Then there are the student instruments, for the kids who are just learning and developing a passion for music. Music is a great part of life, truly a way that connects us all.
All these instruments need care and repair from a Luthier from time to time, but the reality is that not very many people practice this work... it's a labour of love that demands a lot of dedication and study, (and usually years of unpaid work). I've been paying my dues, and I'm well on my way, with a good solid foundational background.
Now it's time for my next steps. In July I move into a new workshop. It’s a terrific shared studio space (with two reputable artists) in a commercial complex that houses many furniture makers, guitar builders and restoration specialists.
To take a leap forward, I hope to make it to a week long workshop in instrument building at the Haliburton School of the Arts. This course would be an invaluable learning opportunity at this stage in my development. Since Canada does not have any formal training programs for Lutherie, we build our expertise by studying with masters - the old fashioned way.
Recently, I’ve been asked to repair some badly damaged instruments for a very special project. These are violins that were abandoned because they were too costly to fix, and perhaps not special enough as instruments to make the effort. However, they have been donated to help a project called "ArtsCan Circle"- they help send musicians and artists to remote First Nations communities to start programs for school-aged children.
It’s great for me to continue to practice difficult repairs, (like resetting and pinning a broken neck) and to apply my knowledge and skillset in a meaningful way that can be of help and do some good in our little corner of the world. Take a look at a little bit of my violin repair work...
So... I’m fundraising, diving head first into this next chapter of my journey! By supporting a Luthier in the making, you're contributing to support to arts and culture in Canada. My next step is this 'Instrument Building' course, where I will spend a week in Haliburton starting to build my first violin under the guidance of a master Luthier. The course can tailor to my personal skill level to include a combination of different techniques, the same tools, materials and processes used for repair and restoration.
Here's a breakdown of the *actual* costs for the course
$332 Tuition
$150 Wood for the back, top and sides of the violin
$20 other material costs; sandpaper, glue, jigs, braces, and blocks
$158 for travel from Guelph, Ontario to Haliburton Ontario, 314 kms (train and bus)
$225 accommodation in the Haliburton area
$ 885.00 Total
Because I used to work in fundraising, I recoginize that choosing to support something needs to feel like it will make a difference. So please know that even a little bit helps a lot when many people come together... it makes a huge difference!
If 5 people gave $30.00, it would put me on the train...
If 10 people could contribute $32.00 that would cover the tuition costs!
A gift of $150.00 would help to provide the wood to bring a violin into being! And lovely woods they will be :)
As a thank-you, I will send everyone who makes a contribution some original artwork. I've made some lovely hand-printed cards (left blank for you to use). Or, for gifts of $100.00 or more I'll send you an original SJB oil painting! I have a series of paintings of President Obama smoking a cigarette, (4 were recently on exhibition at the Guelph Civic Museum this past fall.) This is SO much fun :)
How to Contribute: 4 easy steps
1) click on the button- CONTRIBUTE
2) if you fancy one of my handmade perks, click on the button- CLAIM IT
OR choose your own amount, hit the button- CONTRIBUTE
3) enter your details, and select either a Credit Card or Paypal method
4) SUBMIT payment with your information (guaranteed secure)
You will see a confirmation, and this will also be emailed out to you.
Please share if you think you know someone who might like to help!
Thank you for the love :)
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