GEORGETOWN, Ky. — In Georgetown, an artist uses his hands to not only make beautiful music but also to create beautiful musical instruments as well.
On the campus of Georgetown College, Professor Daniel Graham lives his best life, crafting a variety of musical instruments, each by hand.
“So, I thought it was time to learn a song or two on a banjo. And so, being a craftsman, I had to make a banjo to learn how to play the banjo. So made my first banjo and started playing just a few minutes a day to slow my life down, and then found my way into making other instruments like violins, fiddles, dulcimers and guitars, all the while just kind of finding a new story in each instrument and a new way of working every time,” Graham explained.
Using a variety of tools, Graham is able to use his woodworking mastery, to take ordinary object and turn them into a musical works of art.
“Every time I make a variety of instruments and depending upon what it’s made out of or what it is, depends on the length of time also, how many details or interesting kind of elements get blended into it. So, whether it’s inlay or some sort of special treatment to the wood or the special of the wood that it is will change the time anywhere from a couple of months to six or seven months depending upon the project,” Graham shared.
No two instruments created in this workshop are alike. Graham’s creations may begin using traditional materials, but many are finished by incorporating objects not usually thought of when creating an instrument.
“Outside of traditional materials such as wood and steel and such forth, I’ve made a lot of instruments out of unusual materials or objects such as tea kettles or I made one recently out of human bones from a medical collection, but I’ve also made them out of gourds from your garden,” Graham said.
Graham’s creations have been requested by musicians worldwide. He takes pride in not only making the instruments, but in knowing he has made an impact on the music world with every piece he creates.
“When you make an instrument, you realize you’re allowing someone to express themselves creatively. So, you’re creating tools for other people to create rather than you just creating the thing yourself,” said Graham.
Creative instruments making amazing sounds from right here in the Bluegrass.
Graham's "The Bridges" exhibition that features many of his hand made instruments will be on display in the Frankfort Grand Theater until Dec. 10 or a day in February that they have not determined yet. The reception for the show is on Oct. 10 from 5-7 p.m.