TattooedAxe.com Artist Profile, Gary Reyes

CHICAGO, IL, January 18, 2011 (Press-News.org) Gary Reyes, owner of TattooedAxe.com is also the artist behind the creative and sometimes haunting imagery that is representative of his style on these unassuming yet distinctive cigar box guitars. Originally from Chicago his roots are now firmly planted in Arizona where he draws daily inspiration from the Phoenician earth and sky. The rich colors of the desert terrain combined with his earlier experience in an edgy Chicago urban lifestyle gave birth to an art that unites visual impact with a melodic purpose.

As both a musician and artist Gary has long been obsessed with creating music and visual art. He has always been drawn to minimalistic music so when he happened upon the cigar box guitar it seemed only natural to explore it further. He found that the cigar box guitar dates back to the Civil War era and gained popularity again in the 1930's during the Great Depression.

Resources were extremely limited during those times in our nation's history but by experimenting with what was on hand, musicians were able to fashion these crude but playable guitars that now have gone on to spark a whole new generation of cigar box guitar enthusiasts. Gary said he is grateful for the revival of this quirky yet refreshing little guitar which has allowed him the privilege of putting his own personal spin on an instrument that is so rich in our country's history.