Ayoung An, a talented violin maker from South Korea, has pursued her passion for creating violins since she was a teenager. After moving to the United States to attend a high school in a Chicago suburb, she eventually discovered that the International School of Violin Making was located in Cremona, Italy. There, she immersed herself in the rich history and tradition of violin making, learning from master craftsmen and honing her skills. An’s studio in Cremona is a tranquil space bathed in natural light and filled with books and wood chunks that must air dry for years before becoming instruments. She shares this space with her husband, who is also a violin maker.
An’s violins, crafted in the tradition of masters like Antonio Stradivari, take about two months to create and sell for a substantial sum. Despite being able to produce a violin in just three weeks, An takes her time to ensure each instrument is of the highest quality and truly precious to its owner. An’s dedication to her craft is evident in the attention to detail she puts into each instrument, from the shaping of the scroll to the final varnishing process.
An’s commitment to the art of violin making has led her to be the youngest member of a consortium in Cremona focused on preserving and upholding the city’s rich tradition of violin making. She has thoroughly embraced the Cremonese method, even adopting an artist’s name to better fit in with Italian culture. An’s labels, placed inside each instrument during a special “baptism” ceremony, are crafted using traditional materials and techniques, ensuring her mark remains on the violin for generations to come.
For An, the process of creating violins is about more than just craftsmanship – it’s about leaving a lasting legacy. She hopes that the instruments she creates will be played and cherished for centuries, ensuring that her work is remembered well into the future. An’s passion for violin making is evident in the care and precision she puts into each instrument, from selecting the wood to the final finishing touches. Despite the challenges she faced early in her career, An’s dedication and perseverance have allowed her to become a respected and accomplished violin maker.
An’s journey from a young girl enamored with violins to a skilled craftsman creating masterful instruments is a testament to her passion and talent. Through hard work and determination, she has carved out a niche for herself in a competitive industry, earning accolades and awards for her exceptional creations. As she continues to refine her craft and push the boundaries of violin making, An remains committed to preserving the traditions of Cremona and ensuring that her work stands the test of time.
