Canadian artist Thierry André creates handcrafted wood instruments, blending functionality with aesthetic beauty. Learn more about his work by visiting his website.
![wooden round body acoustic guitar by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Guitare-fruit-Wurcer-500ht.jpg)
“Guitare-fruit Wurcer” round body acoustic guitar with ergonomic cut: wood, calabash, resin, tung oil, carbon fiber, copper, reconstituted stone, camel bone, synthetic ivory, steel, nickel, brass, steel and bronze wire, 105cm x 37.5cm x 21cm
I really like to work on the formal aspect of a guitar rather than its degree of ornamentation. The primary form of the work is for me like a background color. The acoustic and structural dimensions of the work bring their own tone to my composition.
![“Guitare-fruit Wurcer” front, side and rear views](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Guitare-fruit-wurcer-500wdth.jpg)
“Guitare-fruit Wurcer” front, side and rear views
In short, the initial idea of what I want to create is at first rather vague. It is clarified as drawing progresses.
![wooden elongated acoustic guitar by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sun-moon-and-vibrations-500ht.jpg)
“Sun, moon, and vibrations” elongated body, carved back acoustic guitar, monocoque, with internal microphone: wood, lacquer with gold powder, resin, tung oil, carbon fiber, aniline dye, camel bone, iron, aluminum, brass, nickel, kasagami paper, ink, steel and bronze wire, 117cm x 37.5cm x 15.25cm
The criteria related to the functional aspect of the stringed instrument guide me to make choices, and to take certain unexpected detours along the way.
![“Kouai” neck and head, rear, side and front views by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Kouai-500wdth.jpg)
“Kouai” (neck and head, rear, side and front views) chambered body and magnetic pickup: wood, lacquer, carbon fiber, aniline dye, nickel, copper, camel bone, steel, chrome, steel and nickel wire, 100cm x 38cm x 8cm
These small miracles of flexibility often lead me to new creative paths within the somewhat rigid framework of contemporary guitar making.
![wood round body acoustic guitar by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/tuku-500ht.jpg)
“Tuku” round-body acoustic guitar with ergonomic cut: wood, calabash, carbon fiber, tung oil, aniline dye, camel bone, mother-of-pearl, aluminum, steel, nickel, silver, nylon, silk, silver wire, 99cm x 27.5cm x 19cm
Wood as a material is, thankfully, tirelessly inspiring. It has a way of expressing its own reasoning while being worked. And sometimes it seems to have a mind of its own! I do my best to listen to it as much as possible, and to grasp the whole of its essence.
![round wood acoustic guitar - front, rear and side views by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/tuku-500wdth.jpg)
“Tuku” front, rear and side views
Generally the materials I use guide me in my composition. They often bring a theme to the project by themselves.
![wood chambered body guitar with magnetic pickup by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Zyra-500ht.jpg)
“Zyra” chambered body and magnetic pickup: wood, tung oil, iron, nickel, brass, steel, copper, enamel, bleached cow bone, moose horn, mother-of-pearl, steel and nickel wire, 101cm x 37.5cm x 8.5cm
Whether I’m carving Indian rosewood, American poplar or Sitka spruce, each brings a different mood, a different sound, aromas and more to the table.
![wood bowl-back acoustic guitar by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Oudtar-500wdth.jpg)
“Oudtar” bowl-back acoustic guitar: wood, resin, carbon fiber, aniline dye, iron, nickel, copper, bleached cow bone, steel, steel and bronze wire, 101cm x 37cm x 21cm
I don’t think of materials as being at the service of my design. Instead, I really try to work with the materials I have chosen. While working in harmony with them, I am able to render as much of their expressive qualities as possible.
![wood acoustic bass guitar with magnetic pickup by Thierry André](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Maya-500ht.jpg)
“Maya” acoustic bass guitar with magnetic pickup: wood, tung oil, resin, carbon fiber, iron, nickel, aluminum, bronze, steel, steel and bronze wire, 130cm x 39cm x 18cm
Once completed, the work must be captivating in terms of sound. When this is accomplished, then all its aesthetic value is supported and reinforced.
![artist Thierry André in his workshop](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Artsy-Shark-portrait-workshop.jpg)
Artist Thierry André in his workshop
My practice aims to transpose, as simply as possible, the vibrational aspect of nature, while being consistent with historical dimensions required by the object. I take into account the desired ergonomic criteria and the sensitive, responsive nature of the wood.
Artist Thierry André invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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