The Guitarist Tunes Up (Sculptural Adaptation), 2017

Wooden Ice Cream Sticks, Wire, Paper Clay, Words Printed on Paper, Thumbtacks

11 x 6 inches

On the guitar neck, where both begin to create music, a sculpted hand shows that although the guitarist seems to be, ‘command[ing] both wire and wood’ by forcing a chord on the strings, the approximately similar length of the neck and hand represents equal importance. The pronouns in the last line, ‘they started, he and she, to play’, also further foster the sense of togetherness, rather than superiority over each other. Guitar strings, leading into the guitarist’s wrist like veins, represent this essentialness of both in a performance, sustaining each other.

The guitarist’s commitment toward respecting of his guitar is seen from the lack of change in tone, maintaining an attitude of ‘attentive courtesy’ throughout. The fingers that are molded into an E chord position echo this meaning, as in standard tuning, the first and last guitar strings are tuned to E. Hence it is shown that this attitude should be kept from start to end.

Where the fingertips and strings converge, words in relation to concern and affection between lovers spiral down fingers and the guitar neck. This mimics how ‘ a man with a loved woman might, /inquire with delight,’ a simile used to compare a couple to the guitar and guitarist. The guitarist’s curiosity of even ‘slight essential things’ shows his detail in getting to know his guitar, even to the finest, but necessary information, thus displaying a great interest, which is reflected as the artwork’s audience attempts to reads the small text.