Sometimes it's about more than the guitar bench.
When the initial shutdown hit Southern California during the Ides of March, I knew I’d have plenty of time on my hands. I had just finished my last committed commission with any plans for art shows or galleries off the table for the foreseeable future. Being able to do something productive, even if seemingly irrelevant, helped to engage my mind and mechanisms into activity instead of shock and tap into my more productive energies.
For me, physical engagement and contemplative space seem to have a direct relationship, whether that’s working with my hands on a project, getting out on my paddle board, or playing guitar, these actions are about much more than what they appear. They let me tune out of the constant chatter of distraction, that steady stream of noise that makes it so hard to see and hear what is really going on…in myself, in others, in the world around me and the world at large…especially during times of chaos, fear, uncertainty and change.
Sometimes, it’s about a lot more than the guitar bench.
I made a mental checklist of things that I knew I wanted to direct my attention towards. One thing on that list was learning a new style of finger picking on the guitar. But the last time I sat down to noodle around, I couldn’t find a comfortable place to sit. I’m normally not real picky but I figured hey, if I’m looking at lots of time on my hands I may as well build a bench out of what I have laying around. Something that was the right height. Something that let me kick my leg up just right so I could hitch the edge of the guitar body comfortably in my hip while I contemplate the state of the world. Nothing too crazy.
A couple of various sized planks of walnut scrap, an old 3 cornered 4x4 Pine post and some choice off cuts of resin later my guitar bench began to take shape.
