From fire to glass

The first of the Art Spirit Gallery's 2024 Art Talks will feature glass artist Cameron Davenport from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday.

The community is invited to learn about Davenport’s craft and view his newest work, “My Baby,” featuring a glass guitar replicating the famous guitar once used by Eddie Van Halen. The 5150 Frankenstrat guitar has been reimagined in glass, displayed in a maple box complete with lighting.

“Working with borosilicate glass offers unique properties, distinguished by its low coefficient of thermal expansion," Davenport said in a Feb. 10 news release.

He explained how this special glass withstands rapid temperature changes without cracking. 

"Borosilicate glass is highly resistant to chemical corrosion and has excellent optical clarity, making it ideal for laboratory glassware and artistic glassblowing," Davenport said. "Its durability and versatility set it apart from other mediums, allowing for diverse applications in scientific, industrial and creative fields."

From a childhood fascination with the mesmerizing dance of fire, Davenport’s journey into the world of art glass brought him to encounter the captivating intricacy of inside-out glasswork during his teenage years. Driven by a relentless curiosity, he embarked on a challenging path, diligently researching and investing every penny into the essential tools needed for glassblowing, long before the era of YouTube tutorials.

His skills were sculpted by more than a decade of trials and errors that transformed his focus from the destructive allure of fire to the constructive artistry of glass.

"They say glass blowing turns arsonists into artists," Davenport said. "I found a profound outlet for my passion in creating with one of the most potent elements known to man."

Davenport's artistic evolution led him beyond personal satisfaction to a deeper purpose — infusing ashes of lost loved ones into his creations.

"Whether crafting sculptures, jewelry or keepsakes, my aim is to physically capture moments and provide solace through tangible memories," he said. "While my journey began with grief-inspired custom pieces, it blossomed into a broader spectrum of artistic expression. Now, I dedicate considerable time to crafting non-memorial pieces, leveraging my extensive knowledge and skills. Life's journey weaves through my art, each piece echoing my story."

Davenport said he is honored to share his transformative journey through his art. He aspires to bring immense joy to those who encounter it.

"Each creation is a testament to the enduring power of memories, a tangible embrace of the precious moments we hold dear," he said.

More on the guitar and display case

Among all of the guitars Davenport aspired to craft, Van Halen's Frankenstrat stands as the epitome of iconism. Its striking red, black and white pattern distinguishes it from any other guitar in existence. Van Halen, a revered and profoundly influential musician, left an indelible mark on countless guitarists.

While this was the most difficult guitar Davenport could have built, the artist poured everything he had into this creation.

"I am inclined to value it even more highly but the significance of the number 5150 adds depth to the piece," he said. "Not only was it the title of a Van Halen album, but also the name of a guitar crafted by Kramer Guitars for Eddie.

"I selected this particular instrument because it held a special place in Eddie's heart, as well as mine," Davenport continued. "Despite the neck and body being built by Lynn Ellsworth, Eddie's meticulous modifications and assembly earned it the name 'Frankenstrat' from his fans." 

Ellsworth, a luthier, built the body and neck for the famous Frankenstrat that Van Halen played. Van Halen purchased the body for $50 and the neck for $80, brought it home and assembled the guitar and made modifications, including using a pickup from a Les Paul guitar, ripping out all of the other pickups, putting a 1971 D quarter under the bridge, masking the guitar in tape, painting his famous pattern and more.

He was one of the first guitar players to use a Floyd Rose bridge, which added to his unique style and sound, influencing so many guitar players after him.

The wood used to build the display case was salvaged from Ellsworth's shop, which burned down in 2022. When looking closely, viewers can still see burn marks behind the guitar.

Due to losing his tools and his eyesight, Ellsworth was unable to build the case himself, so he introduced Davenport to another luthier, Mark Daniels, who built the display case. Daniels' logo was inlayed into the back of the case.

Ellsworth also built guitars for other bands and musicians, including Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, Scorpions, Eagles, Nazareth and many more. Before Ellsworth started building guitars, they were all built with the same types of wood — spruce, maple, mahogany. He was the first to start using exotic woods to create a wider variety of tones.

“It was such a pleasure to meet him and his family and reminisce in his life story," Davenport said. "When he first saw my work, he said to me, 'It looks like you did your homework,' which brought me such joy!

"This piece will forever have a place in my heart, as Eddie is a huge inspiration to me and so many others," Davenport said.

The Art Spirit Gallery is at 415 Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

    The Art Spirit Gallery will host the first of its 2024 Art Talks at 11 a.m. Saturday, featuring glass artist Cameron Davenport. His newest work, “My Baby,” is a glass guitar replicating the famous guitar once used by Eddie Van Halen.