Timothy Jennings discovered a new passion a few years that has lead him to a new place, an artist. Tim lives with his wife and children in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The past 27 years has been spent in a career in the health insurance industry and he still works in the business today. The journey that led him to the crafting of Native American Styled flutes was one that was inspired by his desire to help his son.
His son, Brock is quite the accomplished musician and has written and produced many songs that feature the Native American Flute as the focal point for each song. Several years ago out of frustration expressed by his son about the quality of the flutes that were available to him, Tim decided to make his first flute. With a solid background working with wood from his high school and college days, Tim believed that this undertaking was within his skill set. As with all things it took time to figure out just exactly what it was going to take to produce a high quality, well tuned, hand crafted flute that his son would be able to play and record with.
This humble beginning has blossomed into a expanded journey for Tim where he now hand makes all of his flutes right from his home in Jackson Hole Wyoming. Each of the flutes that Tim makes are made from hand selected, Old Growth lumber (when available) that is indigenous to the United States. From the carving of the flute bore to the overall completion of each flute, Tim uses mainly hand tools to craft each flute design. Made in the traditional way each flute represents many many hours of hand labor to complete.
Earlier this summer Tim was recognized with the prestigious Sonny Tuttle Spirit Award during the Western Design Conference held in Jackson Hole each September as a kick off to the Fall Art Festival. This blue ribbon was in recognition for his entry into the show where he was selected from some of the best western artists that come from all over the United States each year to Jackson Hole. The Sonny Tuttle Spirit Award is in recognition of a beloved Native American Artist with roots in the Jackson Hole area. "Truly an honor" in Tim's words to be recognized for his hand crafted flutes.
Today his flutes are being purchased by other flute makers, musicians, collectors and those who simply have a love for the beautiful music that comes from playing one of these unique wind instruments. Some of the better retail stores that focus on western art are now starting to carry some of his hand crafted flutes in their stores and galleries. Each flute you see represented here is a one of a kind instrument, not to be duplicated. Hand crafting produces many flutes in the same key but each one is uniquely different.
You can find Tim's latest work on his website at www.tetonmarketing.com. If you have an individual need or desire please feel free to contact Tim through one of his retail outlets or from the website. Owning a hand crafted Native American Flute made by Tim will provide years of peasure whether you play the flute yourself or you simply want to display your flute in your home, office or place of business. |
