It was Steinway’s 150t h
anniversary celebration
andIwaskeentolearnmore
aboutitsinstruments–Inever
thought I would walk out of the
company’s Detroit showroom owning
a1929grandpiano.WhenIsatdownto
playthesatinebonyModelMtherewas
an immediate emotional connection, a
magicalmomentresonatingwiththerich,
warm tone of the Steinway sound. Taking
lessonsonitwasincrediblysatisfying.
My piano was instrumental in the
formationofanamateurjazzbandwithmy
fellow car designers and engineers. That
washowweallweatheredDetroit:music
and friendship, harmony and laughter.
It has since followed me around the world
anddecidedwhereIlive,claimingitsown
space.Ithastravelledbyairinacustom
cratewithtime-sensitiveimpactindicators,
as well as endangered species documents,
andcurrentlycommandsaviewofthe
Mediterraneanina19thcenturyvilla.
The soundboard is carved from Sitka
spruce, the most resonant wood available,
and the artisans who manually carve and
taper its edges autograph the soundboard
after installation. Aside from being a
beautiful sculpture, the piano enhances
my design sensibility: playing channels my
energ y, providing fresh perspectives. It is
fascinating to think of all the stories it could
tell. Hopefully, once we part company,
it will live on for many more years, to be
played with passion and loved for its beauty.
THREE LEADING
CREATIVES PICK
THEIR FAVOURITE
DESIGN PIECES
DESIGN
HEROES
BOAT LIFE
http://www.boatinternational.com | May 2018
Adriana Monk, creative director of
Monk Design, picks a Steinway Model M