“Washboards, and beyond…” by Washboard Dave Paprocki

Going back from 1963 to 2007, I played drums in several different bands in Rochester, NY. Playing Rock, Blues, Zydeco, Cajun, Country-Rock, and Bluegrass. In 2007, I decided to pack the drums away and pick up the washboard.

It was discovered that the washboard’s versatility could be a marvelous percussion instrument. Along the corrugated surface, one can strum, scratch and tap. Adding a personal touch using the replacement for the standard drum kit. Only using a washboard and 6 sewing thimbles. Along the way, I began adding some other percussion pieces to widen the variety of tones, color and texture.

After having built 3 playable washboards, it seemed natural that I keep building more. Only this time. I began constructing “wall hung” art piece versions.

In 2013, my new venture began. The washboard became my canvas.

Finding items that are mostly non-musical, but more of a design  statement. I began to scout out pieces of unusual beauty & dirty rust.

Estate Sales, flea markets, garage sales, and the like were my treasure chest of goodies.

In the beginning, the “assemblage” was more of a creation of found items that looked good together. Gradually, I found  myself working with themes. Creating themes that not only looked good, but felt good as well. Some are dark, some are light hearted. While others would be seen differently by each viewer. Some, I can’t explain.

I’m so very thankful that The Little Cafe’ Art Gallery has invited me back again to share my works. The same gallery, where over many years, so many others have shared their talent with such an appreciative audience.