About Ken Ratcliff My name is Ken Ratcliff, and I build the mandolins known as Silver Angel Mandolins. I've built over 200 instruments, and each one is unique in design and distinctive in sound. I live in a quiet and peaceful part of Eastern Kentucky that is very conducive to the construction of mandolins. I have been an artist all my life and have traveled throughout the world. I have studied art in Paris, France. I've visited all the major museums of the world--Louvre, Prado, Pushkin in Moscow. I use every skill that I've picked up throughout my life in building my mandolins. I make my living as a painter and luthier. About Laura Ratcliff
About Silver Angel Mandolins
On the very best of my mandolins I sometimes put oil paintings. They are tastefully done and do not detract from the overall character of the instrument. They complete and compliment the mandolin. Some mandolins also have relief carvings that are unique to Silver Angel. They are not overly done, but tastefully complimentary. |
I met Laura in my travels in South America. She comes from a family of artists and musicians in Argentina. Her grandfather was a conductor of a symphony and her sister Claudia is a well known painter in Cordoba, Argentina. We were married in September of 2001. She is a very serious craftsperson and takes great pride in her work. Although she doesn't speak very much English, she would be glad to speak with anyone interested in finding out more about her mandolins. I believe she may be the only woman building mandolins at this time.
Each mandolin is a work of art in itself, not only for its aesthetic value but for its sound and playability. Naturally a mandolin cannot only be a work of art to be viewed, but is a
utilitarian object as well. It must perform. Each instrument is as individual as one person is from another. On the first day, bending the sides for a mandolin, I can tell that this mandolin has its own personality already. It looks different. It has its own spirit, its own character.
This individuality in my work is what makes my instruments stand apart.