Ivan Rodrigues
Bahia, Brazil South America
Where he started.
Prior to 2011 before becoming a luthier, Ivan studied history and taught literature and art history at Goiânia Goiás, a municipal school. This is where he first learnt about Iberian and Viennese luthiery. During this experience he met a number of musical groups which then led him to approach EMAC - School of Music and Performing Arts and FAV - Faculty of Visual Arts. Working here gave him great inspiration and spark for crafts, arts and the study of luthiery techniques and its history.
“…In 2012, for educational, research and business purposes, I began to put luthiery techniques into practice. First, I made two semi-violins (fiddles) from local cedar, and then two guitars from violet rosewood and local cedar. In 2015, I made three guitars, these guitars sold quickly in the local community and I received some recommendations. In 2016, my wife and I founded I. Rodrigues Custom Guitars.”
… family, art, history and techniques
His art and history background have stayed true and important to Ivan, it is what motivates him the most! Researching the history of scientific techniques and methodologies and applying them in practice.
“..This research relationship and dialogue with musicians helped us spread throughout the world, perhaps a symbol of Brazilian affirmation in the world of art and technique.”
He’s taken some inspirations from other builders around the world, like Pepe Romero’s ukuleles. He admired the semi-triangular pineapple model and really liked his shape the most. But what made him start building ukuleles was due to its history, that it has the same Portuguese ancestors as the Brazilian Cavaquinho.
“I am versatile in constructions.”
The art and history of an instrument coupled with complex techniques has made him more versatile as a builder, and he has his background in history and philosophy to thank for. He has a great capacity for dialogue and understanding of what musicians need in the most diverse regions of the world.
“…. foster and develop artistic techniques”
…. “My goal is to continue to foster and develop artistic techniques in Brazilian lutherie, with a view to being a great example of a Brazilian luthier.”
