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Presented in partnership with Pearl Works, MIM’s exhibition Dragons and Vines: Inlaid Guitar Masterpieces features a collection of more than 30 instruments focused on the stunning designs created by the greatest contemporary North American inlay artists and luthiers. The majority of the pieces come from the private collection of Larry Sifel (1948–2006), the founder of Pearl Works.
Each instrument vividly illustrates the transformation of bold imagination into reality, displaying snarling dragons and delicate floral patterns as well as re-creations of historic artwork and hot rod automobiles.
Designed by independent designer Jeff Easley, this guitar depicts a close-up view of a dragon’s head that covers almost 90 percent of the body.
“Dragon 2002” Electric Guitar, 2002, Pearl Works, Paul Reed Smith Guitars Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel
This instrument’s inlaid work depicts Martin’s traditional “Tree of Life” design. The vine patterns are cut from dark-heart abalone shell and are outlined in mother-of-pearl.
Martin D-50 Koa Deluxe Acoustic Guitar, 2003, Pearl Works, C. F. Martin & Co. Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel
This instrument illustrates the process of collecting shells for inlay. The materials for this piece include reconstituted stone and Corian.
“Night Dive” OM Guitar, 2004, Pearl Works, C. F. Martin & Co. Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel
Pearl Works created this guitar to commemorate Martin Guitar’s milestone of making 1 million guitars. Crafted with gold, copper, green tourmaline stone, and brilliant shell materials.
Martin D-100 Deluxe Acoustic Guitar, 2004, Pearl Works, C. F. Martin & Co. Loan courtesy of Jean Sifel and Pearl Works in memory of Larry Sifel
Inspired while on a hunting trip, Renée Karnes spent two years creating the “Predator” banjo, which depicts an expansive wilderness filled with trees, a flowing river, and sixty-one individual animals.
“Predator” banjo, 2007, Renée Karnes Loan courtesy of Renée Karnes
Learn more about these inlaid masterpieces in MIM’s special exhibition catalog, which is available at the Museum Store or online at theMIMstore.org.
Sponsored by C. F. Martin & Co., Paul Reed Smith Guitars, U.S. Bank, and Lorraine Lum Calbow
Supported by Event Rents, Angelo and Micheline Addona, Richard and Babette Addona Burns, Carolyn and John Friedman, and Eugenie C. Trotter and Jack E. Watson
