Cigar Box Guitar Concert: Saturday, October 13 at 3:00 PM
Jeremiah sees his cigar box guitars as simple objects loaded with visual energy. Inspired by folk history, utilitarian simplicity and the limitations of functionality, Jeremiah creates cigar box guitars that are both sophisticated visual works and finely tuned acoustic instruments. Influenced by the art and design of Art Deco, Futurism and Streamline Moderne, the aesthetic vibrance of each piece is amplified by the tension of potential motion, sound and energy inherent in the object while suspended in idle display. In keeping with the DIY origins of these folk instruments, the body of each guitar is an authentic tax stamped cigar box scavenged from various tobacco shops. Aside from the tuning machines and strings, all of the materials and hardware used to construct each piece is either handcrafted metalwork, woodwork, or gathered from local junk shops, hardware stores and alleys. The visual and acoustic tenor of each piece is informed by the personality and dimension of each found cigar box.
BIO/ Jeremiah Lee received his BFA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and an MAT from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Jeremiah's work focuses on painting, drawing, woodworking and metalsmithing. He has shown his work in Chicago, New York, and Nebraska. He has also worked closely with local theaters, musicians and music labels doing design and construction. Jeremiah lives and works in Chicago.
