The instruments I create are modeled after Guarneri delGesu's 1741-42 period. I have favored to interpret this maker because the freedom of his style allows me the opportunity to explore my own personal expression within the rigid confines of traditional violin construction. Furthermore, this particular period intrigues me because it bridges the gap between delGesu's earlier conservative years, during which he had been working under the prevailing dominance of the contemporary Cremonese style; and his later very independent years, where his aesthetic experiments nudged the boundaries of that norm. The greater part of my building follows delGesu's inspiration, and I leave the remainder to my own hand.
I do not make bench copies, nor do I make new-looking instruments. Instead, I prefer to dynamically induce a subtle patina of gentle wear to convey a degree of comfort to the musician, as well as an increasing sense of interest to the observer. Each instrument develops its own individual features and personality spontaneously through the 'work in progress'. In addition, I solely use natural ingredients and traditional methodologies- I aspire to achieve an ideal standard of quality that is complimentary to the old masters.
