April 2002 Artist of the Month

Each month LARAC highlights the work of an Artist from the Adirondack Region.

Geoffrey Ovington
Violin Maker

How do artists find their medium? Some have painted, or sung, or played an instrument since they were small. Others are introduced to it in school. Geoffrey Ovington held a girl friend’s violin in his hands and said, "I want to make these."

Residing in Shushan at a wildlife sanctuary, Geoffrey is an internationally known violinmaker. Since 1976, he has been creating violins, violas, and cellos. He says in a good year, he will make ten instruments. If a cello is included in that mix, it will be fewer, as cellos take approximately three times as long to make. Talking to Geoffrey, you can tell how much he loves this work. He says, "There is great satisfaction in doing interesting, detailed work with your hands, and the product is functional and lasts for many years", (and of course, is beautiful to see and hear).

Geoffey’s instruments have found homes in The Vienna Symphony, The New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and The Oslo Philharmonic, just to name a few. He has also won some very prestigious awards, including the Viola Tone Award and a Silver Medal awarded through International Competitions of the Violin Society of America. You will find more information about Geoffrey by visiting his Web Site.

www.OvingtonViolins.com

Geoffrey reviewing a newly created piece.

Samples of wood in the workshop.