Antonio Torres Jurado: 2011

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Interview of Antonio Torres Jurado

Antonio Torres Jurado, you grew up in a pretty amazing time what made you want to get into building guitars?

Around 1842, I went to work for José Pernas in Granada, I was rapidly learning to build guitars. I then returned to Sevilla, and opened a shop on the calle Cerrageria No. 7 that I shared with Manuel Soto y Solares. Although I made some guitars during the 1840s, it was not until the 1850s on the advice of the renowned guitarist and composer Julian Arcas that I made it my profession. Julian Arcas offered me a lot of advice on building.

Who were your mentors, How did they influence or develop your art?

Well as I said before Julian Arcas was extremely helpful in my development as a guitar craftsman. Together we collaborated on many projects. Without Julian my work would not be the same. Together we developed a new body for the guitar as well as a redesigned soundboard and bridge. We took steps that would improve the volume without effecting the sound.

What was the guitar craftsmen field like when you entered it, was there a lot of competition?

Competition? no no! Its an art, to me which means I did it because I found something I liked and I could put as much creativity into as I wanted.

How did the economic or political situation impact your work?

Well as many know prior to building guitars I was drafted into the Military. I believe If I Hadn’t been released as medically unfit for service I would not have any of the successes I have had.

Did you have any special methods or accomplishments?

Over the years my guitars have become extremely rare to find and rather expensive and people are still searching for them. That feels good knowing that people are still interested and haven’t tuned out, that in its self is the best accomplishment you can have

Do you believe that there were any key opportunities in your career?

Yes, defiantly! If I hadn’t met Julian, I don’t believe any pieces of the puzzle would fit together like they did!

What were some of the personal choices you made to become successful?

I had a lot just like any other artist working in the era. I had an arranged marriage that didn’t last long my wife and two daughters later passed away. I then entered another marriage that did not go so well

Did you have any hardships or roadblocks you had to over come?

Yes most defiantly. When my wife and children died I was crushed I didn’t know if I could continue my work as a guitar craftsmen, It was one of the hardest things I had to do but I did it and I am glad I did!

What kind of limitations did you run into as both an artist and a person?

I didn’t really have one being a guitar craftsmen but I know that other artists had many limitations such as food and resources that would stop them from being able to leave their families and pursue the arts

Do you have any personal stories?

My life is not as exciting as the people who play the guitars I make but when I have a chance I like to watch the professionals who play my guitars. That is the real treat to me. Hearing the works of art I put all my love and creativity in really coming alive.