The
duality of music and art has surfaced in a new venture for musician/artist
Martha Pineno Hess, of Elizabethtown, Pa., who recently went international
with CYGNET designer shirts.Hess, a professional oboist and art instructor, initially introduced the embroidered line in 1988 at the International Double Reed Conference in Victoria, Canada. The 100% cotton shirts, which feature a delicate, embroidered musical design over the left chest, were well received at the conference, leading Hess to explore the market further.
Discovering very little on the market particularly for double reed musicians, Hess began to fine tune her innovation.
"There are a lot of music-related novelties being marketed especially for keyboard musicians," said Hess, "but much less for other musicians, especially the double reed player."
In addition to the oboe double reed emblem, Hess expanded her personally created designs to include the clarinet, flute, bassoon, French horn, brass and string instruments, keyboard, drums, as well as a conductor's hand with baton.
The subtle, accurate embroidery depicts one aspect of the instrument, such as the reed, mouthpiece, or bow. With the use of a computer-operated embroidery machine, a three dimensional effect is possible.
Distribution of the shirts also expanded from conference exhibits to a mail order begun by Hess in 1989.
"I have received orders from professional musicians in Canada and overseas, including Austria and England," said Hess, "but I have also found the shirts are popular for the amateur musician as well."
Hess's work has always reflected the duality of the two fields-music and art. Originally from Selinsgrove, Pa., Hess was raised in a family of musicians and began studying oboe at the age of nine. A few years later, however, her talents manifested in the field of art, as well. She then pursued an art degree at Millersville University where she earned a bachelor of science degree in art education with a specialized area of interest in music. Hess said throughout her high school and college education she struggled with having to choose between the two fields. While studying art, she participated in various music organizations.
Hess
was able to combine her two interests successfully at the university,
further discovering the interrelatedness of the two fields. In
1980, the music department commissioned her to create a mural
in the recital hall on campus. The mural, painted in shades of
brown and black on a wall is opposite a pipe organ in the hall.
The mural depicts her artistic rendition of musical performance
and offers a lasting impression for all. Other original paintings
which she has exhibited at various shows and galleries also capture
the essence of the musician as artist and the artist as musician.Reflecting on her professional journey, Hess recalled a period when she investigated the field of commercial art as a possible career option; however, she said she disliked tailoring her ideas to the wishes of others in corporate positions.
"I could not compromise my ideals as is often expected of commercial artists," said Hess.
Hess views her recent commercial endeavor in designer shirts as an opportunity to serve her fellow musicians.
I wanted to create a designer shirt that was more significant to the musician than the typical, alligator' polo shirt sold in stores," said Hess.
When she first exhibited her shirts at conferences, she was pleased with the response of those attending.
"My exhibit represented the lighter side of playing an instrument," said Hess, "rather than the technical aspects which often dominate the exhibits at a conference."
Hess has incorporated both fields into her professional life as an art instructor and oboist for the past ten years. She is a member of the Pottstown Symphony, the Pottstown Chamber Orchestra, the Keynote Woodwind Quintet, and the Harrisburg Concert Band. Hess freelances in central and eastern Pennsylvania on both oboe and english horn.
