Canadian artist Thierry André creates handcrafted wood instruments, blending functionality with aesthetic beauty. Learn more about his work by visiting his website.
“Guitare-fruit Wurcer” round body acoustic guitar with ergonomic cut: wood, calabash, resin, tung oil, carbon fiber, copper, reconstituted stone, camel bone, synthetic ivory, steel, nickel, brass, steel and bronze wire, 105cm x 37.5cm x 21cm
I really like to work on the formal aspect of a guitar rather than its degree of ornamentation. The primary form of the work is for me like a background color. The acoustic and structural dimensions of the work bring their own tone to my composition.
“Guitare-fruit Wurcer” front, side and rear views
In short, the initial idea of what I want to create is at first rather vague. It is clarified as drawing progresses.
“Sun, moon, and vibrations” elongated body, carved back acoustic guitar, monocoque, with internal microphone: wood, lacquer with gold powder, resin, tung oil, carbon fiber, aniline dye, camel bone, iron, aluminum, brass, nickel, kasagami paper, ink, steel and bronze wire, 117cm x 37.5cm x 15.25cm
The criteria related to the functional aspect of the stringed instrument guide me to make choices, and to take certain unexpected detours along the way.
“Kouai” (neck and head, rear, side and front views) chambered body and magnetic pickup: wood, lacquer, carbon fiber, aniline dye, nickel, copper, camel bone, steel, chrome, steel and nickel wire, 100cm x 38cm x 8cm
These small miracles of flexibility often lead me to new creative paths within the somewhat rigid framework of contemporary guitar making.
“Tuku” round-body acoustic guitar with ergonomic cut: wood, calabash, carbon fiber, tung oil, aniline dye, camel bone, mother-of-pearl, aluminum, steel, nickel, silver, nylon, silk, silver wire, 99cm x 27.5cm x 19cm
Wood as a material is, thankfully, tirelessly inspiring. It has a way of expressing its own reasoning while being worked. And sometimes it seems to have a mind of its own! I do my best to listen to it as much as possible, and to grasp the whole of its essence.
“Tuku” front, rear and side views
Generally the materials I use guide me in my composition. They often bring a theme to the project by themselves.
“Zyra” chambered body and magnetic pickup: wood, tung oil, iron, nickel, brass, steel, copper, enamel, bleached cow bone, moose horn, mother-of-pearl, steel and nickel wire, 101cm x 37.5cm x 8.5cm
Whether I’m carving Indian rosewood, American poplar or Sitka spruce, each brings a different mood, a different sound, aromas and more to the table.
“Oudtar” bowl-back acoustic guitar: wood, resin, carbon fiber, aniline dye, iron, nickel, copper, bleached cow bone, steel, steel and bronze wire, 101cm x 37cm x 21cm
I don’t think of materials as being at the service of my design. Instead, I really try to work with the materials I have chosen. While working in harmony with them, I am able to render as much of their expressive qualities as possible.
“Maya” acoustic bass guitar with magnetic pickup: wood, tung oil, resin, carbon fiber, iron, nickel, aluminum, bronze, steel, steel and bronze wire, 130cm x 39cm x 18cm
Once completed, the work must be captivating in terms of sound. When this is accomplished, then all its aesthetic value is supported and reinforced.
Artist Thierry André in his workshop
My practice aims to transpose, as simply as possible, the vibrational aspect of nature, while being consistent with historical dimensions required by the object. I take into account the desired ergonomic criteria and the sensitive, responsive nature of the wood.
Artist Thierry André invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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