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Like many around the world, I have been profoundly moved - and deeply shaken - by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The scale of suffering, especially among innocent children, has left me heartbroken and searching for a meaningful way to help.
As someone in a relatively privileged position in the 'west' I often feel powerless but after some thinking, in response to this tragedy I decided to use my craft to take action.
I have built a custom, Palestine-themed guitar, which I will auction to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) - an organisation providing urgent medical relief in Gaza.
You can learn more about their vital work here: www.map.org.uk
The guitar is a community-based project: whilst I have done the bulk of the build work, many people have contributed to project by donating wood, materials, inlay designs, ribbon, embroidery, prints, portraits, strings, merch and more... these kind souls - along with their contributions - are listed at the bottom of this page and also HERE where you can also see extensive photos / videos of the guitar.
The guitar is themed around Palestine and its rich cultural history.
The back and sides are made of olive wood, the national tree of Palestine and a powerful symbol for peace.
It also features a dyed burl 'end graft' and 'heel cap' that represent the watermelon (a symbol of resistance and cultural unity), and custom-machined brass tuner buttons, a visual and material reference to the Dome of the Rock, a place of spiritual significance for the Palestinian people.
Illustrative mother of pearl inlays adorn the headstock and a sterling silver 'Key of Return' is used as the 12th fret marker.
The guitar is also presented in a custom handmade hard case covered in black gator leatherette and lined with black crushed velvet.
The case features custom jacquard silk 'freedom' ribbons and a hand embroidered lid that reads in Arabic:
'Where words fail, music speaks'.
See more HERE
If you win this auction, not only will you receive the above instrument and case, but you will also receive: two original A3 size screen prints, a series of photographic portraits, and bunch of D'Addario strings and merch.
If anyone else would like to donate relevant items to be included with this auction, please get in touch via the contact page.
DONATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT WERE KINDLY GIFTED BY:
Exotic Hardwoods - Olive wood back & sides
Davidson Instruments - Mahogany for neck
A. J. Lucas Luthier - Ebony for fingerboard, bridge and headstock
Joanna Reed Bridal - Silver 12th fret inlay
David Price - Hand drawn label
Papilionaceous Silk - Jaquard case ribbons
Emma Reichenbach - Case embroidery
Dominic McKeown - Original screen print
Isaac Stacey - Original screen print