Posted by Let’s Recall the MIM MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2021 SPECIAL FEATURE …
Associate Professor Anthony Cross wrote about his work in ICU during the pandemic… and shared his thoughts on music … In concluding the article Anthony wrote: “A day in the life of a doctor in intensive care can be an emotional roller-coaster. Amazing recoveries and the saddest deaths. At the centre of it all, though, are people: patients and their next of kin. As a doctor you have to understand (empathy) what people are going through but, as a fellow human it can be hard, sometimes, not to personally take on too many of the feelings or emotions (sympathy). At times some reflection and self awareness is required to manage the emotional burden. I find mindfulness techniques and music helpful in coping.“
For many professionals at the pointy end of the pandemic response over 2020 and 2021 … taking leave this year has been an essential coping mechanism.
For Dr Cross, rest and restoration has had a musical focus. He chose to take his leave and head to Gulgong, NSW, to build a guitar under the tutelage of luthier Gerard Gilet. Quite a project – we were fascinated to hear about it and of course, asked him to share his experiences with us when it was done.
Before setting out Anthony wrote: “I’ll be great to build something nice, from scratch, by hand. This is the Gilet website: https://giletguitars.com.au You’ll see The Book (in fact; volume one and two); I’ve already done my study and read them both cover to cover. The one on design (basically acoustic theory as it pertains to guitar construction) was pretty heavy going so I hope there’s not some sort of exam! I’m also looking forward to spending some time in a small country town doing little else. It’ll be a great break. Of course, I’m planning on chronicling my endeavours with photos but, better still, I’ll have a great momento!“
Lauris Hing, Principal of Moving Into Music writes: We are delighted that the guitar has been built and true to his word, Anthony has chronicled his endeavours, and shared them with us. We present them here for you:
“In May I had the opportunity to spend three weeks making a guitar with luthier Gerard Gilet, in Gulgong, central NSW. Lauris has asked me to write a piece about the experience.
Gulgong is a beautiful little gold rush era town and near the birthplace of Henry Lawson. Many of the original 1870’s facades still exist and are featured, behind Henry Lawson on the old, blue paper $10 note.“
What an outcome! This is a splendid momento and what a beautiful hand-made guitar – on both counts: priceless, enduring treasures. We are indebted to Anthony for sharing these insights into building a guitar. It is a rare view of the process. We hope you have enjoyed reading his fascinating contribution. We hope he enjoys many happy hours playing his unique guitar.
To read Anthony’s article of 2021: “Some insights into the pointy end of medicine during this pandemic and some personal thoughts on music. Anthony Cross (Guitar Student of Modest Talent and Director of Intensive Care at the Northern Hospital).”
https://giletguitars.com.au – if you fancy taking on a similar project to build your own guitar.
