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Sep

Josh Humphrey: Making Music with Reclaimed Wood

by Janine Boylan on September 2, 2013

Luthier Josh Humphrey in his workshop where his creative process turns into handmade guitars. (Image © Josh Humphrey)

Josh Humphrey in his shop
© Josh Humphrey

A Luthier’s Creative Process

Creative handmade guitar, crafted from reclaimed redwood, is the result of Josh Humphrey's creative process. (Image © Josh Humphrey)

Guitar, made from reclaimed redwood
© Josh Humphrey

In Josh Humphrey‘s hands, a weathered piece of redwood from a dilapidated shack is transformed into the caramel-colored face of a one-of-a-kind guitar.

Humphrey is a luthier, a craftsman who makes stringed instruments.

The 20-string Raja guitar, pictured on the right, is one of the many unique pieces he has crafted from reclaimed and other local woods.

How did he become a luthier? It took his dad’s business, heavy rock music, and an apple tree, with several Oh, I see moments along the way. Read more...

Janine Boylan 3 Comments

The World's Music

Aug

Back-to-School Transition: As Easy as ABC?

by Janine Boylan on August 26, 2013

Teens during the back-to-school transition

Rushing back to class
© Thinkstock

Parent + Student = Different Perspectives

Children and parents around the country are preparing for the grand upheaval known as back to school.

While children shudder as the careless summer evaporates, a collective parental sigh of relief greets the dawning of a regular school schedule.

Students preparing to go back to school will face:

the elation of finally seeing friends again
the misery of making sack lunches
the challenge of getting supplies organized
and the ultimate struggle: getting up early.

How do their perspectives on the above compare to their parents’? Read more...

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Secrets to Life

Aug

Yarn Bombing Has Its Purls of Wisdom

by Janine Boylan on August 19, 2013

Yarn bombing turns the Andy Warhol Bridge, Pittsburg, into creative public art. Image © Knit the Bridge

Street Knitting As Public Art

The Andy Warhol/7th Street Bridge in Pittsburgh has been bombed!

So has the Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles.

And so have numerous trees, statues, railings, phone booths, bicycle racks, and lampposts.

Yarn bombing, or yarn graffiti, is often the work of stealth knitters who wish to beautify a public place with their artistic expression. This soft form of graffiti has become more mainstream in the last few years, though, and more communities are embracing it as public art.

Meet three creative yarn bombers. Read more...