Orest Putsentela

Luthier

©Gaelle Girbes

©Roman Pyshchyk

Musical innovations

Orestcreated his personal violin model
He is a part of Putsentelas Violin Studio
Orest’s main inspiration comes Lviv's architecture

Orest Putsentela was destined to become a luthier, he’s part of a famous Ukrainian violin making family. His father Myroslav and mother Natalia are well known in the country and abroad as exquisite masters of the craft. Together they form Putsentelas Violin Studio. Opened in 2003 and based in Morshyn and Lviv, this luthier workshop crafts violins that are used by musicians all around the globe. Orest is responsible for the unique design of the trademark Putsentela violin. "I create the ‘voice’ of a musician. Like the human voice, the voice of each violin is unique,” the artisan says about the essence of his craft. A graduate of the Italian violin making tradition, he’s not afraid to go further and create a Ukrainian interpretation of centuries-old techniques.

Interview

©Roman Pyshchyk

©Gaelle Girbes

How did you start your artisan path?: Being from an artisan family, stringed instruments have always been in front of my eyes. I had the opportunity to practice carpentry in my father's workshop from an early age. At first, making musical instruments was a hobby for me, which eventually grew into a livelihood.
How is your craft connected to where you live?: The city of Lviv has long been known as a centre of artistic creativity with an abundance of literary, musical and theatrical arts. It is a city of theatres, museums and art universities.
Do you have a curious fact about violin making?: In the process of creating a violin, in order to make a fingerboard for the instrument, I usually use ebony hardwood. It is not commonly known but the small powders of this tree are very allergic, so sometimes you need to take anti-allergy drugs.
What is your advice to aspiring luthiers?: Dare to start. You need to develop skills of self-discipline, endurance and patience. Creating a violin takes time and you should prepare yourself for long and painstaking work on each instrument. Violin building is not a sprint, but a marathon.

Orest Putsentela is a master artisan: he began his career in 2007 and he started teaching in 2011