108 Rock Star Guitars Deluxe - Hardcover

Lisa S. Johnson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0989170403 ISBN 13: 9780989170406

Publisher: Glitterati Incorporated, 2013

Synopsis

The rich saturation of color in Lisa Johnson's ground-breaking photographic vision documents not only some of culture's most important rock star guitars, but also recounts how the instrument itself has become the essential symbol of rock. Her bold use of unusually low depth-of-field photography visually caresses the instrument in the way a skillful musician might - zeroing in on subtle gradations in a guitar's patina or hugging the curves of another's silhouette. Johnson accompanies her images with text cultivated from interviews with the proud guitar owners, revealing the personality of the musician who plays the instrument while her images revere the instrument itself. Johnson provides up-close inspection of guitars, including those of Eric Clapton, Les Paul, Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, Rick Nielsen, Brian Setzer, Chrissie Hynde, Ace Frehley, Carlos Santana, Jack White and many others. Here, the guitar is made exotic, sensuous, and evocative - it transforms from an instrument into an artwork.
 
Luxurious, die-cut collector's box includes padded-leatherette hardcover book signed and numbered by the author, booklet, guitar pick, and exclusively designed, hand-woven silk chiffon scarf.

About this title

From the Author

WHY 108?

For centuries, 108 has been considered a sacred number. It features in both yoga- and dharma-related practices, and makes an appearance in everything from ancient ruins (Stonehenge's Sarsen Circle is 108 feet in diameter) to classical literature (in Homer's Odyssey, Penelope has 108 suitors). I invite you to research the history of this significant number for yourself to determine if its frequent manifestation throughout the ages and across so many disciplines is mere coincidence. A sampling of what you will find:
The distance between the earth and sun is 108 times the sun's diameter. The distance between the earth and the moon is 108 times the moon's diameter. The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the earth. 
The sum total of 108 (one plus zero plus eight) equals nine, a number that in numerology symbolizes endings and beginnings, or Transformation.
In astrology, there are twelve houses and, including Pluto, nine planets. Nine times twelve equals 108.
In ayurvedic practice, it is believed that the body has 108 pressure points where consciousness and flesh intersect to create life.
A mala or prayer garland usually has 108 beads to signify the chanting of a mantra 108 times. In the Sri Yantra--a mandala representing Creation found in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and whose sound is "Om"--there are 54 points where energy lines intersect. Each such intersection has masculine and feminine--Shiva and Shakti--qualities. Fifty-four times two equals 108. The chakras, our energy centers, are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra.
For a yogi such as myself there is no better number of guitars to present in this collection. The more conventional alternatives of 100 or 101 do not offer such mystical significance. But in many ways, I did not choose 108, it chose me--following me through my days as a reminder to say my mantras, and as comfort and guide throughout the duration of this project. It is, I believe, a divine number. Similarly, the music made with the instruments seen in these pages is, to my ear, divine.
Namaste.

From the Back Cover

Armed with a macro lens, an incredible eye for detail, and a truly groundbreaking vision, Lisa S. Johnson's 108 Rock Star GuitarsTM takes the world of fine art photography on a rock 'n' roll ride. 

Les Paul, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Richard Thompson, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Vai, Rick Nielsen, Michael Schenker, Zakk Wylde, Chrissie Hynde, Jeff Beck: never before has a photographer so artfully documented her up-close encounters with instruments belonging to the most revered guitarists of all time. Making bold use of unusually low depth-of-field photography, Lisa S. Johnson's work illustrates how the particular wear and tear of a guitar reflect an artist's personality, and highlights the ways in which such gifted players lay claim to an instrument with idiosyncratic modifications. Every photograph illuminates a wealth of detail that, until now, has never been seen except by an anointed few.
A labor of love 15 years in the making, 108 Rock Star GuitarsTM is more than a unique collection of sumptuous photographs that appeals to photography and guitar connoisseurs in equal measure; it is an homage to the spiritual uplift that so many feel when hearing a favorite song or riff, a kind of backstage pass that offers fans a glimpse into the intimate relationship world-renowned artists have with their chosen instruments ... a glimpse fans could never have otherwise.
Each rich, highly-saturated color photo is accompanied by informative, entertaining text, much of it gleaned from the artists themselves during the numerous shoots. In 108 Rock Star GuitarsTM, readers do not find the conventional mug shots of guitars so often seen in magazines and on manufacturer websites; instead, they are treated to a visionary take on the rock world's favorite instrument. Evocative, sensuous--this is living guitar art.

Edition details

• Publisher: Glitterati Incorporated
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 0989170403
• ISBN 13: 9780989170406
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 396