Renowned artist Larry Bell, known for his minimalist glass sculptures, reveals his most prized collection in a recent interview. Bell, who was born with severe undiagnosed hearing loss, found solace in music when he discovered a 12-string guitar at 17, which led to a lifelong obsession with collecting them. He now owns roughly 300 of these unique instruments, which are housed in a climate-controlled room in his studio in Taos, N.M.
Each guitar in Bell’s collection holds a special significance to him, from a handcrafted instrument made in Vietnam with a unique sound to a small Mexican guitar that cost him $600 but plays exceptionally well. Despite the value of some of the guitars, Bell believes that the worth of an instrument is not solely determined by its price tag.
Bell’s collection includes guitars that were borrowed by famous musicians and never returned, as well as instruments that have been damaged due to the dry climate in his studio. Despite the challenges he faces in maintaining his collection, Bell is considering donating his guitars to those in need, especially in light of recent events in Los Angeles where many guitars may have been lost in fires.
Overall, Bell’s collection of 12-string guitars symbolizes his passion for improbable things and his unique perspective on artistry and creativity. His dedication to collecting and preserving these instruments speaks to his deep connection with music and his desire to share that passion with others in the future.
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