Isaac began with the idea of the Pagliacci sad clown. Not for his sadness, but for his honesty. His flat, simple face feels more emoji than sculpture. One raised eyebrow adds a twist, turning sorrow into curiosity. But he doesn’t ask for sympathy: he just is. Quiet, contained, and unexpectedly expressive.

Carved mostly with rotary tools, his deep, sweeping lines were brought to life with fire, torched in the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban style. It’s not just beautiful; it’s theatrical. The char adds depth, drama, and durability. Like a clown’s makeup, but with soul.

Crafted over 375 hours and built from a rare piece of slippery elm rescued from a surprise truckload of arborist leftovers, Isaac is the product of unexpected gifts. Inside, you’ll find a custom brass audio panel, hand-machined and inlaid with reverence. His upgraded 10-watt circuit offers more clean headroom, delivering clarity through the melancholy.

Simple, sincere, and strangely comforting, Isaac won’t speak, but he has a way of being heard.

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Watch the video of Isaac being built on YouTube:

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