Based in Edmonton, Canada, Dion James builds steel-string acoustic guitars known for their striking minimalism. Subtle in their looks from afar, Dion's instruments make careful use of intricate detailing without becoming ostentatious. They’re packed with innovation informed by years of building and experimentation, all brought together with a decisive, crystal-clear design vision. As he's someone who's built a reputation for crafting such impeccable instruments, I wanted to talk with Dion about how he views creativity, where his design sensibility comes from, and the surprising power of saying "I can't".