Salish Sea Violin, LLC
(360) 300-8860
Orcas Island, Washington
About
a deep connection to land and craftsmanship
The origin of the wood, the method of harvest, the place of its making, the story of the luthier...
the soul of a violin
Monica Athulya Gehrig began her musical connection in primary school, starting her education with recorder and singing lessons. However, everything changed, one day, when Monica’s school teacher brought in her cello, carried in a blue velvet case, which enthralled her. She was so touched by the experience, it was a defining moment in her childhood and propelled her into her own cello playing career at the age of eight years old. The joy of playing music birthed the desire to build her own instrument and was actualized, under the tutelage of a luthier, for the first time when she was thirteen years old.
After an (somewhat) impatiently endured schooling, Monica wished to attend higher education in violin making. Her dream came true when she was accepted into the highly competitive (accepting only two students per year) and prestigious luthier school, Geigenbauschule, in Brienz, Switzerland. During her studies she was fortunate enough to intern with a world famous luthier, Amnon Weinstein in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Monica Athuyla Gehrig
After successfully completing the four year program, Monica was able to combine her love of travel with her new profession and began her first full-time position as a luthier with Jean Yves Matter in Lisbon, Portugal. After becoming a mother, she has been employed in both Zurich and Baden, Switzerland and has worked independently in countries around the world. She currently collaborates with Music Hug in Zurich, Switzerland while establishing her own business, Salish Sea Violin, LLC in the United States.
Her violin was chosen by professional players as their first choice at the Strings Attached exhibition in Bern, Switzerland in 2014 as best for use for classical and baroque music. Her instruments are played by professionals across the globe and exemplify the highest standards in the industry.
Monica’s approach when crafting her violins is deeply connected to her love of the great mysteries of nature and the land. She employs traditional methods of bending with fire-heated wood, exposure to the sun for naturally darkened coloration, and imbues the wood with the elements from the location of its making.
The natural wonder and magic of Orcas Island inspired Monica to live here full-time and bring her coveted skills to the local community of northwestern Washington and and the San Juan islands.
Her workshop is by appointment only and located on the eastern side of Orcas Island between Eastsound and Olga.
Please feel free to contact her at any time with questions or requests.
(360) 300-8860
