Artist?

Do you ever read something amazing and wonder how you found it.  I often find myself thankful for "favorites" tab on Explorer.  That way I don't lose a great site.  I thought of this because of an article I found today.

The article begins with the premise, "what is the difference between art and music?"  What a great question for all of the arts (ex. what is the difference between art and drawing?).  In his article Scott James asserts that artists create from within, aren't afraid of failure, believe that art matters, create art in every aspect of their lives, and try to make art happen in the real world.

These are challenging thoughts for someone who claims to be an artist.  Two of his points hit especially close to home: artists believe it matters, and they try to make it happen in the real world.  I have quite a few paintings stuffed away, never to see the light of day.  Much of what I do, even this guitar project, is for my own benefit and not in the service of others.

Scott alludes to the idea that art should be created to benefit others.  In education, researchers have found that students perform the best when they create for an authentic audience.  However, there is even one greater rung on the ladder of student performance.  If the object they create benefits or serves an authentic audience, their learning and performance will be at its maximum.

It would make logical sense then that artists will create the best when they know that their art is done in service.  It is a worthy aspiration to strive toward.  I wonder, could this be the highest goal of art?

Gluing

Well, it is coming together!  Starting to look good, too.  I have learned that I need to purchase more clamps.  There are two spots that didn't clamp down and you can see a gap between the poplar and pine.  Oops!  Now I know.  I think it is still fixable.  I'll need to try that next along with fixing the pick guard.  It does look good though.  I'm pleased.

New Video Coming Soon!

Today I finished cutting the top and gluing the three pieces together.  I also started to cut out the pickguard.  That wasn't as successful as I had planned.  I think I can salvage it though.  The rest is looking good.  It should be done drying tomorrow night!  I'll post a video of it all soon.  Time for bed.

Coming Together

I got home early today and Julie wanted the girls to get exercise.  So, that meant while they ran around outside in the snow flurries, I worked in the garage. I think I like it.

More Progress!

I finished my grading early today, so I got to work a bit more on the guitar!  This is a really quick video of what I did.  I also found out that Fender does make a guitar very similar to what I am creating.  The only real differences are the pick guard, the Les Paul like bridge and the dual tone and volume knobs.It is called the Jim Adkins model.  Julie says it sounds like a "fad diet."  Jim Adkins is the lead singer for Jimmy Eat World.  I'll have to look it up.

Telecaster Progress

I've done some more work on the telecaster.  Here is a brief summary of the progress.

"This is My Overflow" music

This is the music to the song that I used for the title of this blog.  Hopefully you enjoy it!