Hi, my name is Michael Lowe. I live in Hampshire, UK and this project is dedicated to my display of Aeolian Musical Instruments, something that has grown out of my love of kites, their design, construction and flying. Kites use the wind to fly; Aeolian instruments need it to make music. One interest grew out of the passion for the other. Sometimes they even combine, the kite carrying an instrument of some sort, either a bamboo pipe whistle, or just a simple humming strip.
I had always been interested in kites from a very early age, thanks to my parents and the wonderful family holidays we had. It was those wide open spaces close to where we were, just right for flying a home- made kite for the day. I think that either your first experience of kites inspires you, or you move on to something else. I just got hooked straight away, making and flying all types and styles. Nowadays, this encompasses all forms of kites, their design, making and flying, from simple small single line designs, through the more complicated larger rigid and soft kites, 2 and 4 line sport kites, fighting kites and for a short time, power kites with boards and buggies.
Previously, I was Secretary of the local kite club, Solent Kite Flyers, which, for about 17 years organised and ran the Southampton Kite Festival. This event helped to introduce this wonderful and varied hobby to thousands of local people through information, displays, competitions and kite making workshops. Sadly this event no longer happens. Also, as has happened to many small specialised clubs, Solent Kite Flyers has had to finish due to a dwindling base membership. I still go out to some local events, running the popular children’s kite making workshop with a few good friends to help, as well as giving the odd flying display and possible helping out new fliers whenever I can. If you are interested in that side of things, we can have a chat. If I can help you, I will.
Nowadays I visit as many kite festivals and other events as I can with my display of kites and instruments under the name of Resonance Aeolian. My Resonance Aeolian display, pictures of which you can see at another part of the site, has grown rapidly over the past few years as I have become more proficient at making and trying out a few new things. There are always new ideas to try out. Some work well and others always need a bit of TLC or ‘fine tuning’, not always turning out as expected. Help can come from many areas and friends, but my greatest thanks needs to go to Robert Valkenburg from Holland. His own Wind Gallery Aeolian Display is really what started me on this path and we have had some great talks over the years on all things Aeolian. He makes wonderful, unique instruments and kinetic sculptures for display and for sale. Some of his greatest designs of instruments (mainly the Aeolian Harps) form the core of my display. Whenever possible, we combine specific parts of our instrument displays at events, but also discuss future projects, designs and ideas on instruments and how best to introduce and display our passion to others.
There are quite a few other very good instrument designers and makers out there with some great web sites full of information, well worth a look if you are interested in taking this any further. (See the Links section for more information).
If you see my display at either a Kite Festival or another type of event, please come and have a chat. Everything is free to listen (if the wind is being kind that day!) to but please try not to touch the instruments! Maybe, just maybe, you will then want to join in. Ideas can be either very simple or very complicated. I always try to have a range of both the simple as well as the more decorative and ornate designs on display. Whatever your interest, craft ability, or design background, I will help wherever I can if you want to try something out, either at home or on behalf of an organisation you belong to or assist. The wind is free, so why not use it. Get out there and fly a kite or make some sounds, dare I say, make some music. MKL. Jan. 2018.
