Alberta Craft Council (10186 106 St NW) Edmonton Alberta Ongoing through Saturday, June 15, 2013 The ukulele has a long history beginning in Hawaii in the 1890s. The last decade has seen a resurgence in popularity for this instrument due in part to YouTube featuring videos of budding musicians singing to its accompaniment or covering a popular song. Making Notes is an exhibition of eight ukuleles that follow the timeline for Edmonton artist Andy Brooks in his development, knowledge and skills as an instrument maker. Each piece is accompanied by a detailed description of the materials used as well as notes on problems encountered, discoveries made and motivations for design, techniques and woods chosen.These instruments, though small and light, require the same tools, time, and patience to build as a much larger instrument, such as a guitar. The woods used in each instrument need to be quite thin and light to allow sound waves to move freely, but not so thin as to distort under string tension. Brooks likes the process required to make each part of the instrument, as opposed to buying pre-shaped, sanded components which are glued together. The process allows him the choice in size, shape, and colours of components which may break with tradition and attain a unique quality; each having a different look and sound. The instruments are meant to be handled and played, with comfort, control and tone at the forefront. Brooks, a self-taught craftsman in wood and stone, has formally studied technical drawing, graphic arts, and holds a teaching degree from the University of Alberta. Building of ukuleles is one of many creative outlets which allow him to try tools and techniques outside of his current occupation as a hardwood flooring contractor. This is a natural step in his progression as a craftsmen, as it requires technical knowledge to attain good sound, patience to gain good fit and creativity to mix colour, texture and shape to produce an integrated whole. "Building musical instruments, ukuleles in particular, allow me to mix a number of woods together, taking advantage of sound properties, colours, textures to make a beautiful, playable instrument. My ukuleles have been collecting in my home, they have been passed around, hung on the wall, played in the rain, strummed, dropped, dusted and thoroughly enjoyed, as intended." City / Town : Edmonton Event Venue : Downtown Short Description : Making Notes is an exhibition of eight ukuleles that follow the timeline for Edmonton artist Andy Brooks in his development as an instrument maker. Event Category : Craft Show / Farmers Market More info : artrubicon.ca….
Event Details. Location:
10186 106 St NW