Each March, the local art league stages it “Tiny Things” juried competition in which all entries must measure no more than 8 x 8 inches. This restriction compels artists to condense their expressive aspirations into a cramped and challenging format. As any banjo is too outsized for this exhibit, the BRC craftsman frequently uses left-over fretboard inlays from past 5-string projects to decorate a desktop smartphone holder which he enters into the show. This creative strategy is based on the belief that very few people have much use for a banjo, but nearly everyone could use a cell phone perch. Most BRC tabletop stands are thematically ornamented for select family members and friends and then gifted to them.
Pictured above, “The Artful Charger Cell Perch” is destined for a neighbor who is a classic oil-on-canvas painter. He frequently exchanges creative ideas and mutual critiques with the BRC craftsman’s spouse who is an award-winning artist and art league instructor.
As all BRC banjos have a small inlay on the heel of the neck which is for the eyes only of the musician, the base of this smartphone holder displays a unicorn on its undersurface to signify the vital roles of fantasy and imagination in painting.
The “Music is the best medicine for the mind and soul” cell perch (above) was recently gifted in thanks to the BRC craftsman`s older brother who guided the former into the realm of music many decades ago. The inlays on this smartphone holder were inherited from the “Inside Bluegrass” banjo depicted on the May 14, 2022, BRC posting. “The Inside Story” can be accessed by entering the word “inside” in the our homepage search engine. Enjoy.
Each year, the Tiny Things art show occurs simultaneously in March with a sprawling weekend film festival in our university community. This allows curious out-of-town film buffs attending the 20th annual movie fest to visit the gallery, study the wares, and carry away their purchases.
From the BRC: Wondrous things come in small packages.
P.S. Have a grand St. Paddy`s Day.
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