Thanks for tuning in today! I will be live blogging a workshop with Olivia Pelling, a luthier in Ottawa, as she repairs a cello.
Pelling says that the art of luthiere runs in her family, her stepfather used to repair violins.
She says that although she does repairs and builds various string instruments, violas are her favourite because of their alto sound.
As we speak, Pelling is currently repairing the sound post on a cello.
"I like to repair because it keeps instruments singing," Pelling says.
The walls of Pelling's basement studio are lined with violas, violins and cellos. Some she has designed herself, others await repair.
"Ever since I've left high school, I've played in orchestras," Pelling says. She adds that she currently plays viola in an Ottawa orchestra as well as violin in a band.
When I ask her about her favourite memories of music, Pelling says that she only has fond memories of music.
"I can't think of any bad memories relating to music," she says. "Music is great."
Pelling says that she also volunteers with a charity, the Leading Note Foundation OrKidstra in Ottawa, repairing their instruments on a weekly baisis.
Pelling has now moved on to crafting a violin. She is currently working on the back of the violin, shaping the maple wood with a thumb plane.
Pelling says the final model will feature a maple wood backing and spruce wood top.
Thank you for tuning in, a story will follow.
