Ken Butler, Crafting Music from the Mundane

Ken Butler, an artist and musician, is known for creating experimental instruments from everyday objects. His journey began in Portland, OR, with a hatchet turned violin. Ken sees potential in items like crutches and tennis rackets, transforming them into musical instruments. He emphasizes that these creations are not for humor but to evoke genuine emotion and demonstrate the magic in ordinary things. His work communicates the transformative power of art and the spiritual connection to the objects around us.

What unusual item does Ken Butler mention as one of his most playable instruments?

• A wooden chair

• A tennis racket

• A broom

• A golf club

Where did Ken Butler's journey of creating experimental instruments begin?

• In a music studio

• In his basement in Portland, OR

• In a workshop in Brooklyn, NY

• In a garage in Los Angeles, CA

What are the three essential components Ken Butler mentions for building stringed instruments?

• Neck, strings, and tuning pegs

• Head, neck, and body

• Strings, body, and bridge

• Body, bridge, and head

Which object does Ken Butler describe as having a ukulele neck and a cane?

• A hockey stick

• A snow shovel

• A beach paddle

• A tennis racket

What is the core message Ken Butler aims to communicate through his work?

• The historical significance of traditional instruments

• The technical complexity of building instruments

• The spiritual and transformative potential of everyday objects

• The humor in using unconventional materials