We are passionate about handcrafted, stringed instruments and sculpture. We start from raw materials and enjoy each phase of our process, bringing ideas into the physical realm one step at a time. We firmly believe that with the right tools and practice, we are all capable of making beautiful things, be it music or art.
Our Luthier, Brian Loughnane, worked as an apprentice for Art Folk in the Engler Block located in Branson, MO. for three years before he moved into his journeyman phase, working Renaissance fairs and craft shows. He has now made hundreds of instruments and continues to investigate new ideas as he grows his practice. His skills as a musician feed beautifully into his work. He builds with the ear of a player and understands both what an experienced musician needs as well as how to create engaging tools for the beginner. He loves talking to music lovers and musicians in the full spectrum of skills, sharing ideas and dreaming up new ways to play.
Our artist, Alicia (Candi) Loughnane, has been drawing avidly since she was eight years old. She started firing ceramics and making plaster molds by age ten with her father, Jim McGee. She loves to draw and paint but has gravitated to pyrography when she gets a chance to work on instruments. When she isn't burning Brian's dulcimers and harps, she likes to work with clay, enjoying the immediacy and elemental properties of the medium as well as having an excuse to play in mud. She is finishing up her Post Bac at the Oregon College of Art and Craft this winter.
Our tailor, Kim McGee, makes custom bags for Brian's instruments. She loves sewing and quilting and has started drawing as well. Her great enthusiasm is matched by her technical skill and her whimsical images and patterns blend perfectly with the family's aesthetic.
We look forward to adding more family and friends as we grow our practice. We scaled back when we moved to Portland, while Candi attends college but we will expand soon. We are excited about bringing in digital design processes and creating some ceramic instruments... perhaps a violin? We'll keep you updated!
Our Luthier, Brian Loughnane, worked as an apprentice for Art Folk in the Engler Block located in Branson, MO. for three years before he moved into his journeyman phase, working Renaissance fairs and craft shows. He has now made hundreds of instruments and continues to investigate new ideas as he grows his practice. His skills as a musician feed beautifully into his work. He builds with the ear of a player and understands both what an experienced musician needs as well as how to create engaging tools for the beginner. He loves talking to music lovers and musicians in the full spectrum of skills, sharing ideas and dreaming up new ways to play.
Our artist, Alicia (Candi) Loughnane, has been drawing avidly since she was eight years old. She started firing ceramics and making plaster molds by age ten with her father, Jim McGee. She loves to draw and paint but has gravitated to pyrography when she gets a chance to work on instruments. When she isn't burning Brian's dulcimers and harps, she likes to work with clay, enjoying the immediacy and elemental properties of the medium as well as having an excuse to play in mud. She is finishing up her Post Bac at the Oregon College of Art and Craft this winter.
Our tailor, Kim McGee, makes custom bags for Brian's instruments. She loves sewing and quilting and has started drawing as well. Her great enthusiasm is matched by her technical skill and her whimsical images and patterns blend perfectly with the family's aesthetic.
We look forward to adding more family and friends as we grow our practice. We scaled back when we moved to Portland, while Candi attends college but we will expand soon. We are excited about bringing in digital design processes and creating some ceramic instruments... perhaps a violin? We'll keep you updated!