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This is the first instrument that I ever made in Greece. It literally cost a mere $30 in materials but is priceless in the memories. I am blessed to have made it while living the summer in Crete (my ancestral homeland). I lived just steps away from the Aegean shore in the little village of Agia Pelagia. The lifelong friends and family I made there has changed my life forever...
I built this guitar in Kapaa Kauai, and Sydney Australia while living in the South Pacific during what would be my winter at home in Michigan. It was a life changing experience! I thank my brother Marty Johnson for teaching me the wonders of the island, and my cousin Bill Lyronis for introducing me to the vast family and friends that I have in Australia... then I was off to Oahu to surf legendary Makaha.
This is the second guitar I made in Greece. Here I'm playing it for the first time in the mountain village of Kaltezes, where my grandfather Sam and all of our immediate family calls home. It was my first visit there -and finished it there! Every day and night was magical! The night sky had more stars than I've ever seen before... EVER! What a joy to hear my 99 year old uncle Theo sing songs to us at the daily get togethers that would last late into the nights. I am blessed beyond words!
As a teenager I moved to California and had the opportunity to work for incredible chart topping acts. A guitar I built garnered the attention of two true legends in my life. I will always love Danal Martin and Freddie Saunders for that opportunity and kinship. It was like God put them in my life to help me with my dreams. My life changed forever. I salute them for believing in me. I'm reminded regularly of those epic times when I help others in their journey. Life is short... make a difference!
There is a voice in the hearts of artists urging them on. It must be listened to if the dream is to be realized. It doesn't speak in words, but in a language of hunger. It calls on us to feed the music in our soul. I look around and see it in different ways in other artists and am inspired. Only YOU can hear these songs in your head and I believe it's there to make our lives richer and have meaning. Listen and then MAKE IT HAPPEN!
No better opportunity in art is more beneficial than finding the right way of doing something then perfecting it thru practice. Only then can you see what might be the next stepping stone in your journey. Open your sails and hone your skills. Don't worry if you're not where you want to be today. You are further than yesterday! You can never know who might be listening. Unless you do this one simple task it will be no one. You've got this! Have faith.
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