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On The Bench

By Stefani Kronk WHEN A COMMITTEE was interviewing candidates to design a sanctuary, Martin Ratermann was asked where he received his formal education. He paused and replied, “At the workbench.” Martin is a highly skilled artisan, designing and creating what he terms “bench-made furniture”—handmade, heirloom pieces instilled with artists’ ideals and old-world craftsmanship.

“I take the old s…... Read more >

In Her Element

By Stefani Kronk THE buIldIng blocks of st. louis artist Ellen klamon’s art—pattern, shape, and color— are simple but exciting. borrowing these elements from nature, the artist creates jewelry that is a symbolic interpretation of the natural world. Her jewelry line, Ellements, is a play on her name, but also signifies earth, air, fire, and water, which are used in her creative process.

Ellen sees her art as a perfe…... Read more >

No Chance to be Forgotten

By Nancy Dailey

“GET A BUILDING!” That’s the advice Jim Veronee gives young people.

“You can talk about art; you can show a portfolio, but until other people see you working … find a building, even if you have to paint it at your own expense. It will propagate more work. Stop painting on canvas right now and get a building.”

Jim got his start around age twenty at movie studios in California …... Read more >

Pieces of Wood

By Laura L. Valenti

MANY A CURE has been recommended for high blood pressure, but perhaps none has produced more beautiful results than the hobby Vic Eckmann took up at his doctor’s behest, which was woodworking.

“The stress of farming had my blood pressure up too high. My doctor told me I should find a relaxing hobby, and that got me started in woodworking about fifteen years ago,” says Vic, standing in his wor…... Read more >