. . .but more important than my opinion, what do you think kekani?
Your opinion is what this thread is about.
As for what I think - I'm heavily biased, naturally.
edit post:
Because of that bias, I didn't really want to go off into Neverland to respond, but, since you asked. . .
When I first saw Robinson's work, amazement is all I could say. Suffice to say, his book, and his video's don't do his artwork, or him, any justice. "In person" is what its all about with Larry. He is THE man.
Not to discount Larry, I went on to study elements that all have to offer. Harvey Leach's detail is impeccable, Lavin's marine execution is untouchable (which I can relate to, living on an island), but for me, Grit Laskin and realistic engraving and artistic impression is out of this world.
However, I didn't always appreciate their work in that sense. I viewed extreme inlay as something that shouldn't, or wouldn't be played. In some cases, this is true. As I delved deeper, I found a place for those types of inlay - its called a fretboard and headstock. Even true on an `ukulele. There are a number of builders working beautiful inlay into their builds. Ko`olau has used Larry Robinson and Craig Lavin. Bob Gleason (Pegasus) does very nice work, as does Mike Chock (and Asa). There are a host of others as well. UU's own Chuck Moore showed a Mermaid inlay last year, absolutely gorgeous. Derek has his laser, and brings inlay to the masses at a low cost, and Joe Souza has his hands in there as well. Of course, mentioning Paul at KoAloha seems redundant (for me, specifically) at this point.
Laskin is probably the one that screamed
too much to me the most. Then I found out the meaning and motivation behind his inlay work (books are a wonderful thing).
Bottom line, he approaches his inlay the way I approach `ukulele - its a very spiritual thing when you're doing one by one.
If building instruments for the player (consulting for 1-2 hours just on woods) from a spiritual standpoint allows the instrument to become an extension of the performer, then adding inlay work to that instrument (consultations range from 1 hour to decisions over the course of weeks) will
connect that player to the instrument.
For me, artwork is not about bling, especially on a Custom instrument. Artwork is taking the craft into an area where most will not (or aren't willing to) go. It is here that music truly comes from inside.
I think that's more than $.02
-Aaron