My vision as a flute maker is to give voice to the trees, asking how they might make a flute given the use of my all too human hands, head and heart. And so in listening to their guidance, from the gathering of the branch through the flute crafting process and even in how the finished branch flute is made available to the public, I am an ongoing apprentice to these true masters of the Earth who know how to make their own food from the light of the sun. Alas, as a human I cannot photosynthesize. Nor can I grow my own bark for shelter. So I must trade this craft for food, housing needs, clothing, tools of the trade and all the other requirements of living in human society.
When I've completed a branch flute, I'll take detailed photos and record a video sound sample to offer up on a sales page. This is similar to how many artists present their work on the walls of galleries. If a patron is then inspired by my art and wants to adopt an available branch flute, that flute has found a home.
My pricing for a flute may seem at the higher end of the scale. This is due to the difficulty of the solid bore method I use and the time, care and attention required in making concert/recording quality flutes from one-of-a-kind tree branches. One at a time. I cannot visit the lumber store to simply purchase wood. And I will not even try to mass produce branch flutes to lower the price through quantity marketing. Each flute crafted is intended as an individual work of nature art, made sustainably and in good relations with this beautiful, living planet we all share.
If this way of trading is acceptable to you, I'll be happy to include you in email notifications when a completed branch flute is available for adoption. Due to the care and attention I give to each flute, and the need to craft them in balance with my life, as well as the natural communities where I source the branches, I cannot say how often a flute might be available. To receive email notifications when a branch flute is available, please contact me below.
Your interest is very much appreciated!
- Jon Sherman
dryadmusicandflutes@gmail.com
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