Guitar Painting with a Story by Joni James

 

Guitar painting in acrylic by Joni James 2006

     Just about 17 years ago today I painted this guitar "portrait" inspired by an acoustic guitar which has been in my family for nearly 50 years. Originally played by my older sister and passed down to me, it's been played very little in the last 4 decades. It now sits in my son's bedroom where we have encouraged lessons, but not enough interest has been promised to hear the beautiful sound this guitar can sing.

     In wanting to remember such a keepsake and even though no one is playing it, this painting will stand well beyond the life of the guitar itself. While still hoping a grandchild will someday play, I keep it dusted and tuned while I remind myself of the few songs I wrote during my "I think I'll be a musician" days. Playing Fleetwood Mac's Landslide helped me through a divorce back in 93 and for a while the connection to this guitar found me reunited with my sister's guitar teacher from the 70's!

     The mystery and magic of this painting was even more astounding when I walked in to a friend's home about 5 years ago and saw this very painting in a matted print, hanging on their wall. I was both shocked and ecstatic to see it there while it also had the voice and power to nudge the friendship to a deeper connection just based on the miracle of it. Today, the framed original has hung on many walls in my home but currently hangs in the corner of my bedroom. I expect more miracles from this guitar to surface again some day. Or at least I'm hoping some hand will release its voice just one more time. But for now, this painting will at least whisper a familiar tune celebrating the spirit of art and music.