Tag Archives: Native American Styled Flute

Tony Duncan Plays His New Raven Themed Flute…

Spring Break in Jackson Hole is a welcome time of the year as we are emerging from the depths of Old Man Winter here in Western Wyoming.  Each Spring our kids get 2 full weeks for Spring Break which is plenty of time to take a road trip.  This year a road trip south was needed more than other.  Our epic snowfall was one for the record book and it was still falling upon our departure.

“Amazing but that is what God does with music. Most believers want to have their emotions manipulated with music but they don’t realize that to God, music is communication. He communicates to us through the music of creation, twinkling stars, rushing water, winds that whisper and winds that roars through the trees, crashing waves and babies cries. The native flute is so special because when we give it our breath, it give us it’s song and each one has a song all its own. Through it we can release the deep sounds of our being.”

Mary Blakeley

This year our road trip was to take us first to Scottsdale Arizona to visit family and then on to San Diego.  One of the highlights planned was to visit a Scottsdale venue where Tony Duncan was to play.

For those who may not know Tony Duncan is one of our true Native American Music treasures and he is an Award Winning Native American Flute Artist and World Champion Hoop Dancer (5 times World Champion).  Tony has been blessed to play with the likes of Carlos Nakai, Joanne Shenandoah, Nelly Furtado and other great music artists.  He was awarded Artist of the Year at the Native American Music Awards  for 2013-2014 and he has played to huge audiences globally.  Tony has played the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Smithsonian Museum, The Billboard Music Awards, The Tonight Show, and The White House.

The Native American Flute is one of the most beautiful instruments handed down from Mother Earth and when in the hands of Tony, well lets just say a Spirit comes through and straight to your heart.

CLICK IMAGE to hear the voice of this flute. Tony Duncan in Phoenix Arizona
Timothy Jennings and Tony Duncan

Recently I had the opportunity to deliver a flute I made to Tony.  Although this flute took a bit longer than I had wanted I finally was able to have it delivered before our trip to Arizona.  The flute pictured above is the actual flute crafted for Tony and above (picture) is a link of a video sent to me by Tony of him playing it in Arizona shortly thereafter.

We arrived in Scottsdale late Friday evening after driving 900 miles.  Then Saturday morning we made our way down to the Scottsdale Civic Center just in time to hear Tony play and to our great surprise he was playing his new Raven Themed flute.  This man is blessed for sure.  We met his family again and chatted a bit about things and after the show we parted ways and our family went on to eat lunch in town.  But I must tell you how humbled I was to hear the voice of this flute after spending so many hours crafting it.  Tony could not have been more gracious as was his wife Violet.  And his children are so full of life and clearly one big happy family.

For those who would like to seek Tony’s music out he is currently signed to Canyon Records, the largest Native American music label and his music is available through iTunes and other music vendors.  Follow Tony Duncan on FaceBook.  I look forward to the next opportunity to craft another flute for Tony… I hope soon…

Jackson Hole Studio Gallery to be Open Summer of 2017…

Opening May 1st 2017 through October 31st

Come Visit Our Studio Gallery This Summer

Should you be traveling through Jackson Hole this summer please come visit me in my Studio Gallery.  We are easy to find as we are just south of the town of Jackson Hole located just off of the Snake River.  If you are looking for a pleasant afternoon and you want to explore something outside of Jackson Hole then take the journey south just 12 miles and view our art.

Please come spend a part of your day with Tim.  We are located just about on the mighty Snake River.  Take a walk along the river right from our property.  Enjoy a beverage complimentary on us.  In addition to Flutes some of Tim’s jewelry and local photography will be on display.  We can also ship any purchase to your home or business so you don’t have to take it with you.

Bison Herd Antelope Flats

Artist In Resident

We are in the process of negotiating for a couple of spots in the town of Jackson Hole where Tim will be the Artist In Resident at one of the local establishments.  This is still in the works but if and when we get this in the bag we will be posting days and hours you can find Tim in town.

Tim will also be crafting his art at our home studio gallery that will be open this summer.  Come visit with Tim and watch how some of his art is actually crafted by hand.  Everything will be available for purchase.

The Largest Selection of Flutes in Wyoming

Come see my collection of hand crafted award-winning Native American Styled Flutes here at our Studio Gallery on your next visit to Jackson Hole.  The entire selection of Native American Styled flutes are crafted by local award-winning artist Timothy Jennings.  We have fully completed flutes, flutes ready for final production (Available to customize), Flute Making Supplies and we will be taking commissions for the winter of 2017 – 2018.

How do you get here?

We will be posting complete instructions on how to get to our property as we get closer to May 1st.  We will post a video that will give you a taste of what you can expect to see on your journey.

If you are interested please contact me via phone @ (307) 690-0427 or email me @ timjen333@gmail.com.  Feel free to leave a comment to this post if this interests you… I would love to see you…

“Spirit of the Pipe”…

Spirit of the Pipe Commission Ships Out

spiritofpipe_16_bEvery Once and a while a project comes along that really finds a place in your soul.  This is one of those times.   On Monday I will be shipping this project to its new owner in Canada.  A First Nations man will carry this flute with him on an upcoming journey that will take him across Canada over a two-year period.

The idea for this flute came about after recently delivering a Native Styled pipe to the Western Ojibwe in Canada for which I was commissioned to craft.  In a way this flute is a continuation of this pipe.  The pipe which will be carried across Canada for the upcoming Tree of Peace Unity Walk will now have this flute as it’s companion.  I have named this flute the “Spirit of the Pipe”.

ojibwa_13_DSC0352_02

Testimony

I shared a vision with my Elders, Clan Mothers, and Grandfathers.  At the Council Fire they contemplated my vision, and in turn, they received a vision of a Sacred Eagle Pipe that was to be gifted to me.  Through ceremony and reflection, Spirit guided us to Timothy.  The Elders, Clan Mothers, and Grandfathers saw in his previous work, that it was evident that Timothy has a connection with the spirit of the materials he uses.  This was very important to us as this Sacred Eagle Pipe will lead a Tree of Peace Unity Walk and the planting of 44 Peace Trees across Canada.  This Unity Walk is the vision I received that will bring together First Nations Peoples and all Canadians for world peace and the healing of Mother Earth. When I received the pipe in a ceremony, I felt the energy of Timothy’s connection with the spirit in the wood and stone, in the making of this sacred pipe. Timothy is a master craftsman and artist who’s hands are blessed by the Great Spirit. In gratitude from myself and the Elders, Clan Mothers, and Grandfathers of the Cherokee, Iroquois, Ojibwe, and Cree of the Council Fire of this vision, we honor Timothy and his creation of the sacred pipe.

Walk Sacred, Talk Sacred,
Jesse-Blue Forrest – Sequoyah-Blue Deer Eagle

I wanted to incorporate the spirit from the sacred pipe by attaching a mouth piece to the flute that was crafted from the very same stone the pipe was made from.  In addition my plans were to craft a cabochon from the same stone to inlay into this flute.  In my mind’s eye this addition of the stone to the flute would help carry the spirit of this pipe over to the flute.  I had hopes that this flute would share in the very same journey as the pipe.

As one draws in the smoke from the pipe in ceremony this same breath would give life through their playing of the flute.  If this were to happen this would accomplish my vision for this piece.

This six hole  flute features a 1″ inch bore crafted from Old Growth Alaskan Yellow Cedar.  It is tuned to the Key of D#.  It features the Four Winds tuning holes and by most standard this is a large flute.  Although I think it is the perfect size as its new owner like me is a large man and should have no trouble playing it.

The theme for the pipe was that of the Eagle and so too we carried the same theme through to the flute by adding a fetish that represents a whimsical vision of the Eagle in flight.  The fetish sits between two rails crafted from a special wood called Sapodilla.  This reclaimed wood has much the same color tones as the pipestone.

One of the interesting twists in all of this is that the Tree of Peace Unity Walk will start it’s journey on a sacred mountain on Vancouver
Island.  The very same place the Alaskan Yellow Cedar used in this spiritofpipe_18_b72flute was harvested from several years ago.

It is always an honor when I have the opportunity to be commissioned for a project.  I am always humbled that there are those who find my style of art pleasing.  But it is especially humbling when I am given the opportunity to create something as special as these two projects for the First Nations People of Canada and know that they will be used in Ceremony and not used as a cliché…

Listen to Sound Sample from this flute

spiritofpipe_04

 

 

Commission Complete…

Eagle Themed 6 Hole, 4 Winds, Tuned to D @440Hz

It is always an honor when someone reaches out to me for a special project they have in mind.  This flute was no exception.  This piece was commissioned by a gentleman in Scottsdale Arizona who had a vision for a flute he wanted.  Originally this project was to have a Bison theme to it but soon after we started construction there was a change request which we agreed to as it seem to make perfect sense.

jkrohn_07_72DPI_DSC0553This 6 hole flute is hand crafted from Old Growth Black Walnut and features Old Growth Alaskan Yellow Cedar Fetish rails.  The Eagle fetish is crafted from both Black Walnut and the bird itself is from Maple.  As with every flute I build specifically for someone I look for the story behind the project.  In this case this buyers story fit the end product we will finally deliver this week.

The genesis for this flute started back in the mid 1850’s when pioneers heading west brought with them Walnut trees to be planted around their farm houses and barns.

“Wow! That is a masterpiece, a master who is in touch with the spirit of the material. One who is truly connected to the elements of Mother Earth. It has been an honor to know you and your work. The Great Spirit, the Creator has gifted you. ”

Jesse-Blue Forrest
Sequoyah-Blue Deer Eagle
(Walking Thunder)

The walnut this flute came from was harvested from trees planted just west of Boulder Colorado and as best we can tell the tree was planted around 1850 or so.

The Alaskan Yellow Cedar used for the rails comes from Old Growth trees cut from Vancouver Island that are at least hundreds of years old and the Maple also came from the Boulder Colorado area.  So this  lumber has traveled another 500 miles north to my shop here along the Snake River here in Jackson Wyoming.  Then one last journey of 900 miles to its new home in Scottsdale Arizona.

jkrohn_01_DSC0442-fetishonly_02The Eagle Theme was something I had not really done previously and when Jim shared with me other eagle fetish designs he had seen and liked I knew I would need to find a fetish that fits within my whimsical fetish designs and its coming marriage to this flute.  I did not want this to be in any way a representation of someone elses work.

jkrohn_01_DSC0442-fetishonly_01Because I live along the Snake River there are many Bald Eagle nests around my home and while on my afternoon walks I would watch the males fishing from above.  This fetish is my representation of watching these magnificent birds dive for fish along the river and this is where the idea for this particular bird came from.

Idaho_Jasper_Krohn_01_DSC0488I wanted to inlay a stone into this flute so I selected a piece of polished Idaho Picture Jasper and set it in a silver bezel which I inlaid into the body of the flute.  I really liked the colors in this stone as it really seems to match the colors found in both the flute, the leather and the stands.  Although this is a time-consuming value add I really like how it came out and this stone seemed to be right at home once it was set.  All of
the leather accents are from hand selected Bison hides matching the
colors in the stone perfectly.

jkrohn_09_bead_DSC0528One really cool feature is the way the feathers (replicas) are hung from the flute body.  In stead of using trade cloth and sinew to wrap the upper portion of the leather straps I hand crafted a stone bead crafted from a piece of Catlinite (Sacred Pipestone) and it acts kind of like a bolo tie which makes it easy to adjust and even remove the feathers if desired.  Another time-consuming value add but well worth the effort as it really makes or a clean presentation.

The stands came right out of the forest behind my home here in Wyoming.  I guess you could say they are truly repurposed tree branches.  Anyway I wanted to make something simple, yet functional and look good too.  Finally I added a hand crafted Bison leather case for the flute to be carried or stored in.  Hand crafted by Leah Burgess from Riversong buckskinbisonbag2Leather Studios out of Laramie Wyoming.  This is a beautiful work of art all in its own right.

Once the flute was complete and ready to be delivered I added the final accents of leather braid and beads.  The beads that hang from the braid are a combination of Sterling Silver and Glass Crow beads.  We added a 4th hole leather cover that can be used as is or removed.  All in all a very nice project that I am very proud of !  Oh… and it plays nice and sounds good.  Listen to the clip below…

Future Commissions are available for those interested in a project of their own so reach out to me with questions at “timjen333@gmail.com” … I would love to make one for you.

Listen to Sound Sample from this flute

Eagle Themed NAF Flute crafted by Timothy Jennings Jackson Hole Wyoming

 

 

NEW Otter Themed Alaskan Yellow Cedar Flute…

wyomingfirst_profile

Just listed on our website is this simple but nice flute perfect for the first time flute owner or as a gift to a friend.  Hand crafted out of Old Growth Alaskan Yellow Cedar and features a 3/4 inch bore.  In an effort to offer flutes at price points that most anyone can afford this flute fits right in with this.  Artist Timothy Jennings wants everyone who comes to the flute to be able to afford one.

This flute is easy to play and small enough to stuff into your backpack so you can take it with you wherever you go.  Read more about this Otter Themed flute that is ready for a new home.  CLICK HERE to visit this flutes page on our website.  Priced at $165.00 plus $16.95 shipping.  Visit the page to also here the latest sound clip on this flute.

All of the flutes listed on JacksonHoleTim.com are available for Commission.  Questions?  Call (307) 690-0427 or send an email to “timjen333@gmail.com”.  We would love to hear any feedback from you after you visit the page.

Construction Page Update…

wyomingfirst_profileToday I added new pictures to our Under Construction Page.  If you are interested in following what I am up to this is a good place to check out.  Everything you find on this page that is not available can be commissioned.  Check out the latest update and follow the journey of one of my Commissioned Art pieces seen above…

Alaskan Yellow Cedar Raven Themed Flute Sound Clip

NEW SOUND CLIP -Available for Purchase

Raven_03_DSC0295We just added a new sound clip to this recently completed Alaskan Yellow Cedar Raven Themed flute.  This flute was completed for a customer recently and we wanted you to be able to hear how beautiful of a voice Alaskan Yellow Cedar can deliver.

This flute is now available for a new home… Click Here to visit this flute on our website.  Also available for Commission – I can build one similar on a Commission Basis.  I really like this flute but we can make it your own by adding your vision to the project.  Let me hear from you if you like how it sounds … or not…

Listen to Sound Sample from this flute

This flute design is available for Commission so if you have interest please reach out to me at timjen333@gmail.com” or call (307) 690-0427.

Buffalo Themed Flute Sound Clip Added…

NEW SOUND CLIP

wdc_tatanaaxdog_sm_1We just added a new sound clip to this AWARD Winning flute titled “Ta Tanga Ax Dog” (Runs With Buffalo).  This flute was completed for the Western Design Conference two years ago and I have kept this flute since then as it took First Place in Accents that Fall.

This flute is now available for purchase or I can build one similar on a Commission Basis.  I absolutely Love like this flute but we can make it your own by adding your vision to the project.  Let me hear from you if you like how it sounds … or not…

Listen to Sound Sample from this flute

This flute design is available for Commission so if you have interest please reach out to me at timjen333@gmail.com” or call (307) 690-0427.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar – Raven Themed Flute…

Raven Themed Alaskan Yellow Cedar Key of E @ 440Hz

Raven_01_DSC0295I have just about completed the crafting of this Raven Themed Flute.  I believe this has turned out to be a  beautiful Native American Styles Flute.  This flute is hand crafted from Old Growth Alaskan Yellow Cedar and features a 1 inch bore and is tuned to the Key of E @ 440 Hz.  The Wind Way area features a Black Walnut inlay for the cutting edge.  The leather accents are hand cut from select Elk Hides including a leather piece that covers the #4 playing hole.  The tassel is black Horse hair and is wrapped in traditional red trade cloth using black sinu.  The beads are a combination of black and red glass Crow Beads and there are 4 sterling silver bead in between the Crow Beads.

Raven_01Finally this flute features my signature hand cut step that steps down from the Wind Way area to the bore of the flute. All in all a very nice flute.  This flute I believe has been spoken for but I would love to build one just for you. I would love to hear feedback on this piece.

Listen to Sound Sample from this flute

This flute design is available for commission so if you have interest please reach out to me at timjen333@gmail.com” or call (307) 690-0427.

Raven Themed Flute…

New Raven Flute About Ready For A Home

Raven_02I wanted to share this with all of you and hope to get some feedback.  I have been working on a new Native American Styled flute that will more than likely find a new home in a Gallery located in Alpine Wyoming.  The owner wanted a themed flute with the theme being the Raven so I decided to go ahead and see what I would come up with.

I spent the past few days crafting what will become the fetish for the flute. This six home flute is hand crafted from Old Growth Alaskan Yellow Cedar and the leather accents will be Black Elk Lace, this fetish, three raven feathers (replicas) and some Crow Bead work.  This look like it is going to be an awesome flute.  The Flute is already made and sounds awesome and is in the finishing stages as we speak.

This in my opinion is going to be a spectacular piece but I wanted to share with you an early peek into this almost finished flute.  I would love to hear from any of you good or bad as to what you think of this fetish.  Most of you who know my work know that my fetish designs tend to be more quite a bit more whimsical.  This is a bit closer to a literal translation. When the flute is complete I will post it on this blog and on our website JacksonHoleTim.com.  As for the flute I want to share it when it is complete.  What say you?