Ivan Labussiere

Son of an artistic heritage, in 1993 at 17 years of age, Ivan started his studies with luthier and in music. In 1999 he constructed his first violin. He then decided to show a professional violinist (John Spin) who was surprised with the work he saw. They both took the violin to luthier Joao Rossi. Rossi, analyzing the instrument, said that by the style, and strong characteristics of design, it must be an Italian violin. Interrupting him, John Spin said, “excuse-me, I haven’t told you but this is the first violin that Ivan has made.” “Who is Ivan?”, Asked Rossi. John pointed and said “This is the Ivan, Ivan

Labussiere.” Rossi smiled and a great conversation commenced between the two. Greater praise could not be given, if not to say that talent has never been seen such as this. Joao Rossi suggested that Ivan should use an oil varnish formula, thus enhancing the beauty, function and performance of the instrument. After searching for almost two years, Ivan encountered a formula that he found to be ideal for his instruments. This was the formula of William M. Fulton. After the process of preparation, there arrived a critical moment in which it was necessary to boil the turpentine at 300 degrees Celsius.(572 degrees Farenheit) Unfortunately the reaction was very enormous and the turpentine combusted, creating an explosion of approximately 8 meters of garden. With drops of turpentine spread around the whole location with a lot of smoke, the poor neighbors screamed- “AAAHHH!!! Bomb! Call the Fire Department!” Some hours later all was back to normal, Ivan had learned by experience and had new incentive to conquer the varnish formula of William M. Fulton in actual use. Along with these and other experiences, Ivan Labussiere searches every day for the greater perfection of his trade. Self-taught, he has already constructed more than 60 instruments and has taught violin making to 10 apprentices. Today, Ivan dedicates himself full time to making stringed instruments, both baroque and modern style. He is also writing a book about the art of luthier. He claims that the only setback for him is that others need to recognize luthier as a profession and art in Brazil. The development of the art suffers without access to critical literature, and with only imported violin making tools.

Contact ivan@atelierlabussiere.com