BEDAZZLED GUITARS by Rick Schettino

Playing music has always been my way of connecting with people and bringing joy to the world. Today, having retired from touring, my Bedazzled Guitars are my icebreakers. When people first see these fantastical, multi-medium assemblages they often respond with a resounding, “WOW!,” and a beaming, ear-to-ear grin. What better reaction can an artist ask for?

See something you like? Or interested in commissioning custom work?
Email: BedazzledGuitars@gmail.com
Mobile: 305-850-9569

Why do people experience such a strong reaction to my guitars? I believe it's because the guitar is an emblematic archetype that has become entrenched in the modern psyche, symbolizing sensuality, youthfulness, and the best of times with friends. The guitar, more so that any other object, has enchanted, delighted, and comforted millions of people of all ages. 

Each piece, and the process used to create it, is unique. In the past, most of my instruments have been rescued, donated, or bought at thrift stores, and the theme of a piece has been largely determined by whatever jewelry and beads I stumble onto while thrifting. However, in more recent work, I have taken less of a "found object" approach and more of a design approach, leveraging my 40+ years experience as a graphic artist and creative director. 

I picked up the guitar at age 12, and by 18, I was entrenched in the music industry. After several decades as a hired gun for singer songwriters, I decided to go solo. I began writing, recording, performing, and promoting my own music. In the mid 2010s, I crisscrossed the country several times appearing at small venues and festivals in more than 50 cities nationwide. Sadly, I was forced to retire from performing as the result of a repetitive motion injury. The silver lining is that I'm passionate about and excited by my art which wouldn't exist if I was still working as a traveling musician.

As a self-taught assemblage artist, I'm constantly learning, evolving, and aspiring to produce finer quality work. Today, my guitars hang in homes, music venues, and businesses in both the U.S. and Canada turning heads, breaking ice, and elevating moods. 

See something you like? Or interested in commissioning custom work?
Email: BedazzledGuitars@gmail.com
Mobile: 305-850-9569