Art As Adventure

by William Eaton

Originally published in Guild of American Luthiers Quarterly Volume 10, #3, 1982



Dear Fellow Luthiers — Guild Members,

If I could hold a pen as a chisel and feel the inspiration and enjoyment that comes with instrument building and music I think it would take few words to express myself. Surely the power of words and thoughts reaches everywhere for those with open reception — all in time — and so my communication with you — if not from words — then from a common interest for buiding and repairing musical instruments. For the musical instrument becomes a magical messenger to voice the sound of its being — in all ways and all forms, for all to play and listen — in all styles. The builder and restorer of the instrument holds a noble role in the adventure of human action, if we are to perceive our activities with purpose — the bringers of music, the singers of music. For the instrument is born before the musician — except for the hallowed voice, the instrument of the body.

I truly look upon this art as an adventure. To envision music — to imagine a new instrument — to build the instrument — to play upon strings — this makes me sing — to conplete the whole — from imagination to manifestation.