Heart + Hands
“When you play from the heart, you can’t be out of tune.” The fine craftsmanship so vital to music making has fascinated Jacobson since childhood. He has combined his two greatest passions-photography and music- into this unique and monumental project: Heart & Hands: Musical Instrument Makers of America.
Never before has a project of this scope been undertaken, as Jacobson traveled for over two years throughout the country, interviewing and photographing more than 350 instrument makers, mostly unheralded, whose heart and hands are dedicated to the art of making music for us all.
From bamboo flutes to experimental instruments to world-class concert violins, Jacobson found a level of artistry and craftsmanship that rival any of their Old World predecessors. The joy of working with their hands, and a deep love for the sound of music, are universal forces driving this astonishing array of artisans. From self-taught instrument makers in the rural South to classically trained artisans in New York City, the individuals photographed for Heart & Hands represent the essence of American artistry and ingenuity..
This unique work was a 5-year traveling exhibit with the Smithsonian Institution. This very successful exhibit was the first of its’ kind in exhibiting digitally produced prints for the Smithsonian. It has been seen by over 500,000 people in 40 plus venues, including a special exhibit in the offices of the United States Congress. A selection of the work now resides in the American photographic archives of the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.
The German art publisher Konemann produced a 160 page hardbound coffee table book of the same title and has sold over 20,000 copies worldwide.
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