108 Rock Star Guitars Deluxe

by Johnson, Lisa S.; Paul, Les

• ISBN13: 9780989170406
• ISBN10: 0989170403
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-10-20
• Publisher: Glitterati Inc

Summary

1. Through her use of unusually low depth-of-field photography, Lisa Johnson makes the guitar exotic, sensuous, and evocative, transforming it from an instrument into an artwork; music/rock enthusiasts as well as photography fans will enjoy not only the content of Johnson's work, but also her photographic genius
2. The beautiful padded-leather binding makes this book a collector's item that will appeal to all music aficionados
3. With a foreword by the legendary Les Paul

The rich saturation of color in Lisa Johnson's ground-breaking photographic vision documents not only some of culture's most important rock star guitars, but also recounts how the instrument itself has become the essential symbol of rock. Her bold use of unusually low depth-of-field photography visually caresses the instrument in the way a skilful musician might - zeroing in on subtle gradations in a guitar's patina or hugging the curves of another's silhouette. Johnson accompanies her images with text cultivated from interviews with the proud guitar owners, revealing the personality of the musician who plays the instrument while her images revere the instrument itself. Johnson provides up-close inspection of guitars, including those of Eric Clapton, Les Paul, Jimmy Page, Billy Gibbons, Rick Nielsen, Brian Seltzer, Chrissie Hinde, Ace Frehley, Carlos Santana, and Jack White. Here, the guitar is made exotic, sensuous, and evocative - it transforms from an instrument into an artwork.

Author Biography

Lisa Johnson fell in love with melody and imagery as a result of growing up in an artistic family. She ultimately pursued a career in photography, which includes ten successful years at Eastman Kodak Co. Upon encountering a vintage guitar shop owner in Memphis, Tennessee, however, Johnson began to photograph guitars exclusively. She has resided in both Memphis and New York City, but now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.


Les Paul (1915-2009) was an innovator of the guitar industry, whether as a musician, inventor, or recording artist. In 1941, he built his first solid-body electric guitar and continued to refine this prototype over the years. Through his meticulous work, Les Paul shaped the modern understanding of rock and roll and influenced author Lisa S. Johnson in his backstage conversations with her after his shows. Les Paul died in Mahwah, New Jersey in 2009.