A Timeless Classic
Classical style harps bring to mind majestic concert grand pedal harps with richly carved pillars and gleaming gold finishes.
Here are some details of my craftsmanship on my Grand Imperial harp, the result of much thought and effort.
Pillars are laminated maple for strength and high resistance to minor dings, besides its fine grain for crisp details in machining and carving. The pillar is first turned to the desired profile before the carving begins.
I really like carving Acanthus leaves in scroll patterns which have a long tradition among artisans throughout history. I also like adding musical symbols like lyres and treble clefs and making stylized variations with them.
Balanced patterns are very challenging on cylindrical surfaces so that it looks good from all angles. Numerous drawings are sampled and reworked before settling on a final design. The finished drawing of the original artwork is transferred to the pillar with carbon paper.
Then with back breaking, hand cramping, mind numbing dedication using various small hand held carving tools I bring these carvings to life. It can take more than a week of work to make and carve a single pillar and I'm always relieved when I'm done. Although it's difficult work, I really enjoy working with my hands and find the end results very rewarding.
When the carvings are carefully sanded as smooth as possible the whole pillar is either stained, painted solid gold, or combined as shown here. Although it takes more time and effort, the two tone effect helps to bring out highlights and details better from a distance.
After a few more days to apply the finish, the end results are definitely worth all the effort. In my mind's eye I envision the finished harp making beautiful music under the hands of a skilled harpist on center stage.
Click to view the Grand Imperial
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