Rapolas Grazys, Lava Drops Guitars – Creating Musical Art Pieces Inspired by Nature.
“I believe that through the sound and resonance of the musical instrument, humans can directly connect with nature and be inspired.”
Rapolas Grazys is a creator who is always seeking to find new possibilities. He was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, and grew up in an artist family that deeply inspired him with contemporary art. However, his attention went to product design, music, technology, and materials. He graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in product design and has been trying to incorporate guitars into his life ever since.
Rapolas Grazys is two times winner of the global and most prestigious Red Dot Design Award for Lava Drops creations. His works are constantly presented in worldwide art, design, music, and jewelry exhibitions.
Playing guitar since childhood and his passion for design and music eventually led him to create musical instruments.
Grazys’ building philosophy is heavily inspired by nature, and he believes that through the sound and resonance of a musical instrument, humans can directly connect with nature and be inspired. He is deeply inspired by nature and modern technologies and uses materials never used in musical instrument making. Grazys’ guitar creations are made from materials such as 50 million years old black amber, meteorites, aircraft-grade aluminum, rare and sustainable wood, and different kinds of stones and gemstones.
“I select the best possible materials that transform their emotions and experiences into Lava Drops creations.”
Grazys has specialized in industrial and one-of-a-kind product creation, high-end audio, musical instruments, and conceptual, interactive installations. He has taught design to students and is currently leading the most prominent private art school in Lithuania, where they teach people art with no limits.
“I am creating Lava Drops Guitars and, at the same time, leading the most prominent private Art School in Lithuania, where we teach people art with no limits.”
Grazys does not label himself a luthier but rather a creator who is always seeking new ways to find new possibilities. He creates one-of-a-kind instruments that tell stories of people.
His inspiration always drives him to test new materials and find ways to connect different types of them to reach new prospects and sonic possibilities with functional design.
“I believe that through the sound and resonance of the musical instrument, humans can directly connect with nature and be inspired.”
YouTuber, Darrell Braun, checks out one of Rapolas’ guitars.
Grazys’ signature style is minimalistic, and he creates collectible, functional musical art pieces. He shapes each guitar as an actual drop, which gives ergonomic benefits. The Lava Drops guitar shape represents his work and sets his guitars apart from others. Grazys has created four models, including the Lava Bass Drops and the electric Violin – Lava Vio Drop.
“I try to balance the simplicity and the essence with some spices of the material and design aspects.
Grazys believes that creating instruments is like being a chef in the kitchen.
“Putting an extra sauce could dramatically change the meal, but sometimes keeping the meal simple makes the taste shine.”
Grazys balances his craft’s creative and technical aspects by continuously learning and applying new techniques to his creations. Grazys’ challenges are time-consuming and require dedication like the Black Amber Drops crafted from 50 million years old melted black amber or connecting hardwoods with aircraft-grade aluminum.
“In my field, I always need to learn new things through a lot of tests and attempts.”
Grazys draws inspiration from nature, modern technologies, architecture, modern art, and everyday life. Inspiration is everywhere, and he uses it accordingly to create new and innovative instruments.
“Inspiration is everywhere – you just need to see it and use it accordingly.”
Rapolas Grazys is a creator who is always seeking new ways to find new possibilities. His passion for music, design, and materials has driven him to create one-of-a-kind musical art pieces that connect people with nature through sound and resonance. Grazys’ unique approach to guitar making, shaped like a drop, gives ergonomic benefits and creates a signature style that sets his instruments apart. Grazys balances simplicity with material and design aspects, creating collectible and functional art pieces. Through
his work, Grazys continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in guitar-making and inspire others to see the possibilities in their craft.
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Article was written by Andreas Valdivia¨ for VintageandRare.com
