Roll with the punches (or progress of the uke-baby)

It's official- I have just been awarded the BIG DUH award.  I realized that the spray primer and paint I used on my ukulele is oil based, thus totally negating my plan of decorating and painting a motif on the back with acrylic paint.  DRAT.  All is not lost, except lost time.  I will just have to use oil paints instead, which will just increase the working time.  Patience, they say Is a virtue.....

And a word about workspace.  Naturally I have been using the spray paint outside.  I've also been leaving the uke outside to dry.  Well what else, might you ask, is outside?  Bugs. Bugs also LOVE paint. Oh bug death! Needless to say, I also have a couple of spots to "mend" on the front of the body as well.  Looks like more sandpaper is in my future.

During the stages of spraying and drying and re-spraying, I have been working on the design for the body. Really the body of the ukulele is so small that I have decided to paint the main motif on the back with some small details on the front.  Wanting to pay homage to the roots of the ukulele (which originated in Portugal) as well as it's "seaside" charm, I thought that some sort of nautical theme would be best (the first uke did not travel by plane after all)!

I really love the graphic nature of tattoos and thought I could find a sailor motif that would work. I have also been thinking about birds (since my uke will eventually 'sing'), so a sparrow tattoo seems just about perfect.  Sparrow tattoos have become multi-facted in meaning over time.  Originally, for sailors, the bird signified logging so many nautical miles (I keep seeing reference to 5000) or was marked before a maiden voyage as a talisman for good luck.   They also signify love, loyalty (sparrows mate for life) and freedom; some also use as memorial art for a passed loved one.                                                




Taking in all the visual inspiration, I have made my initial sketch.  There is still lot of tweaking to do until I have it just right but and plan to add in text in the ribbon that quotes the great Frank Zappa, "Music is the Best."  Indeed.
More to come...

Jeff Beck featured today on WildmanSteve Radio

‎"New Tunes at 2"  on WildmanSteve Radio has the brand new release from JEFF BECK "Rock'n'Roll Party Honoring Les Paul" (Atco Records). GREAT playing of course from Jeff with guests including Imelda May, Brian Setzer, Trombone Shorty and more. This is a fun live album recorded at NYC's Iriduim Jazz Club.   Visit his website for details: jeffbeck.com

To catch our 24/7 Internet Radio station stream, visit on your computer, PDA or iPhone : WildmanSteve.com

Band of Heathens new album featured on WildmanSteve Radio

"New Tunes at 2" has a preview of the upcoming release from Austin, Texas' THE BAND OF HEATHENS "Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster's Son" (BOH Records).  Pre-order this album, which is due out on the 29th of this month) or pick up a copy from one of their CD release events (like this Friday in San Antonio, TX!)  More info: bandofheathens.com