SANCTUM OF THE FORGOTTEN TUNE

Michael deMeng
Gold Coast, Queensland

Over the years I have acquired many interesting bits and pieces of discarded goodies, but I have to admit that some of the most interesting of them were musical instruments.   Usually by the time I get them all the melodies of their past lives have long faded; old trumpets, violins, oboes, and guitars are just dusty shells destined for a corner in the attic.

Or… perhaps, not… one thing I have noticed about musical instruments, is that the old life never really leaves them.  The brass, the mahogany, and ivory, though marked, still have a voice…though perhaps it is not a voice that can be heard…but rather seen.

In this class, you will bring old discarded instruments, and we will retune them…not to play music…but so that they speak as a visual art form.   Using the process of assemblage you will alter and/or combine broken violins, piano keys, trumpets, etc. and give them a new beginning as a shrine or sculpture.  Music to your eyes.

Extra Credit: You get bonus points if your sanctum is able to make noise!!!

Supply List

  1. Old instrument or instrument parts to build a shrine from. You could either:
    1. Attach instrument parts to some structure like a box or cabinet, and then attach the horns parts, oboe parts to the structure itself

or

 

  1. You use the instrument itself as the structure (i.e. you could use an old violin or old guitar as the main structure)
  1. A variety of other found objects to adorn the structure with. Could be anything from dollies to clock parts to other doodads.
  2. Aves Apoxy Clay
  3. E6000 and or WeldBond (less toxic than E6000)
  4. Acrylic Paints
    1. Titanium White
    2. Carbon or Mars Black
    3. Quinacridone Gold
    4. Quinacridone Crimson
    5. Pthalo Green
  5. Optional Paints
    1. Anthraquinone Blue
    2. Van Dyke Brown
    3. Green Gold
    4. Nickel Azo Yellow
    5. Pthalo Blue
    6. Permanent Maroon
    7. Transparent Brown Iron Oxide
  6. Brushes – cheap bristle brushes and detail brushes
  7. Optional Items –
    1. Dremel with cutoff wheel
    2. Heat gun