The night bear touches the moon
December 5, 2007
A short drive up Highway 61, artist and musician Michael Reinhold creates musical art. Or is it artistic music? However described, his hand-made Native American flutes combine art forms like nothing else.
It all started at a pow-wow when his brother handed him a flute kit. Reinhold enjoyed assembling it and taught himself how to play the flute. But, he said that making those “normal” instruments was boring.
About eight years and a thousand or so flutes later, Michael Reinhold expresses himself through one-of-a-kind woodcarvings which also happen to be playable flutes. Some of the instruments take the shapes of animals, such as lizards, snakes and turtles. He has also made non-animal formed ones such as a shot gun and a bi-plane. His flute staffs are almost as tall as an adult and are intended to be played while standing.
“Each flute has its own voice,” Reinhold said. No two will sound the same. Displaying the flutes is an auditory experience. Upon showing each one, he often demonstrates its sound indicating the importance of function as well as aesthetic appeal. Reinhold demonstrated that when played to the valley behind his home, the music initiates a comforting echo.
The flutes made by Michael Reinhold take the form of a variety of creatures. Here a lizard, alligator, snake, dragon, double headed dragon, and turtle are shown .
The process
An image is first drawn on paper. “If I can draw it, I can make it,” he said.
Reinhold uses wooden fence building remnants and parts of old fences which have been discarded. In a workshop near his home, these mostly cedar pieces are recycled into beautiful art. The grain of wood is often incorporated into certain features. For example, the knot in a wood pattern may strategically be placed as an eye.
Though he’s been carving since he was 15, Reinhold enlists the help of tools such as a band saw and wood burner. He said that even with the application of the tools, the pieces are 90 percent hand made.
The wood always retains its natural color and a clear gloss covering is applied. He “signs” the bottom of each creation with a moon and paw print symbol he calls “Night Bear Touches the Moon.”
Unique gift idea
Some of Michael Reinhold’s hand-made flutes are displayed and sold at:
Mid Rivers Music
355 Mid Rivers Mall Drive
St. Peters, MO
636-970-3385
Lewis and Clark Jewelers and Silver City Trading Post
724 South Main
St. Charles, MO
636-255-8885
Some of his creations boast movable parts (like tongues) and some have rattles inside, offering other dimensions to the music. He also makes drones, two harmonizing flutes in one.
Reinhold has given away hundreds of flutes. Some have been given to children he’s inspired who’ve promised they will “keep playing.” Popular Native American flautist, Dennis Sizemore has purchased about six flutes from him.
Reinhold would like to make a CD of his music. When the time is right, he said, he will enjoy tackling this new endeavor.
Interested parties may also call him at 636-665-9133.
The flutes are sold within most price ranges and make a truly special gift.
Copyright 2007 Neighbors About Town