June 2021

June 2021 Issue

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Dennis Ringering

Serving Up Art, Music, and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment 1 GessoMagazine.com Gesso Magazine

Editor's Word

June 2021

Editor’s Word:

pictographs in the Southwest and the symbols in caves of France and Spain. See for yourself starting on page 10.

Straight Up Magazine is now Gesso Magazine and it is here with its 71st edition ‘Serving Up Art, Music and Culture for the Metro Area’s Enjoyment’. The St. Louis Metro deserves its own arts and entertainment magazine. And here it is. It’s called Gesso!!!

We are so very pleased to have Dennis Ringering as our featured cover artist. Dennis is a long-time friend of ours and has been featured in one of our group exhibitions

We have features on several other

at Governor French Gallery.

Much of his work reminds us of Native American petroglyphs and 2

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Metro artists and art events this month. It is such a pleasure and

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June 2021 privilege to be able to provide a platform for regional artist of all genres to express their passions and creativity with Gesso. We

with us here.

We are excited to be sponsoring our First-Since-Covid event, a book release / poetry reading at the Governor French Academy in Belleville. Animal Heart Press has joined forces with Gesso Magazine for this Lisa TellorKelley literary arts event. For details about that event, see the feature starting on page 16.

Our Jacque Davis “Dreaming in Color” exhibition at Governor French Gallery recently turned one year old. Due to COVID restrictions which emerged in

thank all the creatives who submit their work for consideration in our humble publication. Relish in them

March of 2020, the Gallery is closed to foot traffic. And the exhibition is visible from the vast windows at

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Editor's Word

June 2021

219 West Main Street in Belleville IL or by appointment.

ideas, comments, information, etc. that might assist us in our mission to serve you, the residents of the St.

We thank our writers for their poignant features and all those

Louis Metro area.

who contribute to this project. We appreciate all of those individuals who have submitted their works for publication. And “Likes” to all you followers on Facebook!!! We are grateful to you, the reader, for checking out this latest issue of Gesso Magazine – Issue #71 in the Str8Up Magazine legacy!!!

Like Straight Up before it, the mission of Gesso Magazine is to support local arts and artists and the businesses and organizations that support local arts and artists.

We invite you to contact us with 4

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WE WANT YOU! - All you artistic and creative types out there! You should contact us. Show us your

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June 2021 work. Tell us of your craft and

who’s featured this month. Next

brief personal/artistic history.

month, that could be you!!

Submit any art form that you’d like.

Perhaps, you can be one of our next

Enjoy Gesso! Tell your friends.

Send us your work. And visit our website at GessoMagazine. com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook daily for new and additional events and content.

Stay safe and be healthy.

published contributors or even a featured cover artist. Check out

P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 (314) 266-9199 Editor@ GessoMagazine.

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Credits

June Credits

Staff

June 2021

Editors: Jake Bishop, Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Layout Design Artists: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Dylan Seibert, Mark Polege Sales: Jake Bishop, Kayla King, Jennifer Lynn Reida, William Schmitz, Paul Seibert, Dylan Seibert Ad Artists: Jake Bishop, Mark Polege, Dylan Seibert, Wil Sullivan Calendar: Dylan Seibert, Paul Seibert Website Design & Up-Keep: Mark Polege (MarkusDesignWorks.com), Jake Bishop Photography: Mark Polege (PhotographyofMarkPolege.com)

The Gesso Movement Relies on Your Support!!

We are committed to supporting local artists, musicians, & businesses and providing this material FREE to readers month after month!!

We invite you to reach out to us!!

Together we can discover how we can best help you, your band, your business or organization, etc. and how you can best help us in our continuing mission.

Hit us up on Facebook or Instagram or via GessoMagazine.com Editor@GessoMagazine.com 6

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June 2021

Contributors Cover Artist: Dennis Ringering Cover Logo: Jake Bishop Photography/ Images: Courtesy of Dennis Ringering/Paul Seibert (p.10-13), Michael Anderson (p.24-29), Angela L. Chostner/Valeria Prieta (p.34-37), Kayla King (p.42-45) All material in this publication and its affiiated on-line content are copyrighted to the individual contributors or Gesso Magazine and may not be reproduced without written consent. We are very grateful to those who have submitted material to be considered for publication. However, the opinions and views of those contributing content to Gesso do not necessarily reflect those of Gesso Magazine.

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Table of Contents

June 2021

10 Cover Artist: Dennis Ringering

20 Friends of Gesso Membership Program

16 Animal Heart Press:

24 Salon St. Louis 2021:

Poetry by Elisabeth Horam & John Dorroh

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by Michael Anderson

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Table of Contents

June 2021

30 Sunday Morning Game Night

42 June Submissions: featuring Kayla King

by Dank By Design

34 Written Word Submission:

by Janie Bloomer Images by Angela L. Chostner & Valeria Prieta

@blvscreenprint 618.277.9600 GessoMagazine.com

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Cover Artist: Dennis Ringering

June 2021

DENNIS RINGERING

D

ennis has always been interested in the symbols, images and objects that man makes. His current work evolved from his research of Native American petroglyphs and pictographs in the Southwest and the symbols in caves of France and Spain. Many works of his involve more than 100 hours of surface creation and manipulation. The character of the piece is determined by the physical process he uses. Dennis uses both additive and subtractive techniques with a variety of materials building a multilayered surface. Recent work is on heavyweight paper or wood panels.

Dennis was featured in a collaborative fine arts exhibition, “Soil, Rock & Feathers: 2D & 3D Artworks

by Linda J. Miller, Dennis L. Ringering, David Yates & Susan Bostick, ” at Governor French Gallery, November-December 2019. Sponsored and Curated by Gesso Magazine. See more about that at: http://www.gessomagazine.com/2019/12/gesso-magazine-presents-soil-rock-feather/

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Cover Artist: Dennis Ringering

June 2021

Dennis L. Ringering: MFA, U of CO, Boulder. SIUE Art Department, Retired (2002 after 30 years)

"Diversion" mixed media on wood 18 in x 24 in GessoMagazine.com

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Cover Artist: Dennis Ringering

"Beguilement" mixed media on wood 12

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June 2021

Cover Artist: Dennis Ringering

June 2021

More about Dennis and his work can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/dennis.ringering http://www.ringeringstudios.com/

"Angst and Desire" mixed media 18 in x 24 in GessoMagazine.com

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June 2021

Attention Metro East Readers...

Introducing:

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June 2021

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June 2021

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“Form Follows Function”

by John Dorroh I want you to taste my eggroll take it in slowly, deliberately and appreciate the time and effort that it took to prepare. All that cabbage to chop and shrimp and chicken pieces and teeny-weeny chunks of carrots, sprouts and secret spices; rolling the wrapper forming the folds just right sort of tight and something to make it wet so it will maintain integrity. I smile when the wrapper sticks just right like a spirit glue.

I like the art. Not just the design.

John Dorroh, “J.D.,” taught high school science for almost 30 years and lived to tell about it. He is a writer who has had some success with White Trash Nekid poetry, micro-fiction, and poetry. He has also written for a regional newspaper as a weekly business columnist. He lost the county spelling bee in the 6th grade to Connie Dick and went on to become a recognized swimmer and Moon Pie-eating contestant. John’s work is included in the recently released Fifth Issue of Feral: A Journal of Poetry and Art.

“There are No Common Things”

by John Dorroh

The brown owl is perched in the gnarled pine, highest branch from the snow-covered ground, its round face that looks so much like the boy

next door. Bunnies are plentiful, their quick back legs kicking up snow dust into the cold air. If only they knew what perils their innocence might cast.

The metal fish climb the side of the barn, heads, gills favoring north, at least until spring when the crocus flowers give way to sweet onions and delicate shoots

of asparagus. There are no common things, only beautiful and precious gifts and offerings, even the late freeze that will whither and brown the petals

that have already bloomed and started summer fruit.

There are wonderful and miraculous organisms out in the compost bin—worms and black beetles with

red dots on their backs, red bugs with black eyes that glisten like diamonds, baby frogs and lizards that dart into the hole in a brick that you meant

to remove in the fall. There are unidentified seeds and tiny bugs in the air, floating and flying, claiming space for a fraction of a second, winter’s brown grass

turning green, the moles having created cities of hills, that must be negotiated with careful planning. The dogs are drunk with excitement, unable to contain themselves,

barking, digging, wagging their paint-brush tails high in the cool blue air, tugging on their leashes with might and determination. Their paws are trowels, digging, digging,

tossing dirt into the air, the space between their paws soaking up earth like a sponge. It’s as though they know that these things have replicated themselves since the moment

the planet began to spin on its own; that they are merely willing participants in this waterfall of seconds and minutes, fractals oozing into the spaces that make us all part of the parade.

Larghissimo

by Elisabeth Horan I hoped today would be my last Day singing - sadness God, I planned for silence; a Blessed day of quiet But it’s strange and loud This day - unnecessary Clicks, twitches I grow nothing; Use up everything Since it’s not the last day Of my life - oddly… says I Cringe worthy, grimy meter fashioned from a Barbed A sharp. Lonesome I have to witness the minimum Of living - what one does to breathe At times - simply shocking. How Nothing becomes a song --Elisabeth Horan is a poet/momma/flower/animal from Vermont caring for all creatures…

and writing her heart out --- She has books at Fly on the Wall, Twist in Time, Cephalo Press, and others.... Elisabeth is proud to serve as Editor in Chief at Animal Heart Press. She has two precious sons…Peter and Tommy - Breathe the air. Feel the love. Let’s be kind and cherish one another. Friends pickles horses rivers cookies sleep sex; mexican food singing out loud and sunsets @ehoranpoet & ehoranpoet.net

June 2021 May 2021

Introducing:

The Friends of Gesso membership program * Donate any amount to become a member * Donate $10 or more and receive a Gesso sticker as a thank you gift * Donate $100 or more and receive a Gesso sticker and a T-shirt as a thank you gift All Members will be thanked in print in the next issue (unless they wish to remain anonymous) All members who provide a valid email address will periodically receive invitations to access special bonus content on GessoMagazine.com, as well as other perks!

(No email addresses will be sold to any third party EVER) Gesso Magazine reaches THOUSANDS of people on both sides of the river & serves the local art & music scene by continuing to make this publication available to the public free of charge.

This community project relies on the support of the community it serves. Help us keep LOCAL art and music ALIVE.

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BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

To become a member, send us an email at Membership@GessoMagazine.com Or send us a message on Facebook Or cut out this form and mail it to: Gesso Magazine P.O. Box 412 Belleville, IL 62222 Your name, or that of your business, band, group, or organization: Email (optional): Donation amount: Would you like to have your name excluded from print in the next issue?: (those who do not answer will have their name included) GessoMagazine.com

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Attention Gesso Readers: This Month and All Year Around, We are So Very Grateful to You and to

EVERYONE

Who Has Contributed to this Project...

Thank You!!!

From All of Us to All of You: Thank You So Much and Please Stay Up with us via Social Media & GessoMagazine.com

Salon St. Louis 2021

June 2021

Artisans Investigate Regionalism Theme at 2021 Salon Saint Louis by: Michael Anderson International examples of decorative painting, a broad category encompassing numerous techniques, were exhibited at the 2021 Salon, the 25th annual gathering of muralists, artisan painters and finish specialists held April 29 – May 2, 2021 at the St. Louis Artists Guild in Clayton, MO. Due to pandemic travel restrictions, many European and Asian professionals could not attend but many sent examples of their work on the theme of regionalism for a gallery exhibition. Their large hand-painted canvas panels were sent rolled up in mailing tubes and displayed unframed.

French artist, Pascal Amblard, describes his approximately 5’ x 6’ panel as an oversized “study of a yet to come real painting.

It shows a young cowboy of our area with the landscape I see from my studio. Most of what I paint, as a fine artist, could be labeled as Regionalism.”

Detail of view of French artist Pascal Ambard’s panel 24

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Salon St. Louis 2021

June 2021

Japanese artist Yaeko Kurimata’s panel depicts several Missouri endangered species including an Ozark Hell Bender and a Pallid Sturgeon. The painting incorporates gold-leaf and Japanese design motifs.

Endangered animals and gold leaf details by Japanese artist Yaeko Kurimata.

A carnival poster painted in regionalist style by American artist Hugh Luck shows a

Ferris wheel and joyful dancing figures under an approaching thunderstorm. The ominous carnival of souls suggests how the pandemic has affected groups of people unevenly; some tragically while others seem to be able to fly over its reach unscathed.

The event, also called Salon

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Salon St. Louis 2021

June 2021

Forever, blended a trade showlike atmosphere with continuous live studio painting. Pamela Hernandez of Golden Paintworks managed a long table of the firm’s products including Golden Acrylic paints, Williamsburg Oil Paints and Qor watercolors.

from opened samples of acrylic colors. A commercial painter from New York created flitches of faux wood finishes using glazes and specialty brushes from Faux Brushes.com.

A faux wood finish flitch.

Painters work on a large scale mural near the Golden Acrylics table.

The vendors, as well as the Painters and Allied Trades Union, were among the thirty event sponsors and donors.

Artists charged their brushes 26

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Salon St. Louis 2021

June 2021

Sean Crosby, a New York painter, explained that he attends the annual salon to not only demonstrate his painting techniques but to share information and for the camaraderie of fellow artisans.

One of his panels in the exhibition combines a baroque-style portrait of an elaborately costumed figure within a trompe-l’oeil wood and gilded frame.

In a live-streamed presentation, decorative painter Arlene McLoughlin spoke about how she maintained her business during the pandemic by literally taking her work outside by creating specialty finishes for the exteriors of brick homes.

She describes the technique as brick white washing, giving a standard suburban house the patina of an historic home.

McLoughlin also outlined her marketing efforts using specific strategies on her social media accounts.

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Salon St. Louis 2021

June 2021

In another example of outdoor decorative art, Eric Schlake completed an elongated sidewalk portrait of a lion. The piece is designed to be viewed from a single angle to perceive the effect of forced perspective.

A Salon Forever panel by event host and Sponsor Margaret Von Kanel

to the St. Louis Artists Guild because of the guild’s exhibition space, its proximity to hotels and Florida artist Eric Schlake works on his sidewalk creation. its history. The St. Louis Artists Guild is the oldest American St. Louis artist Margaret Von visual arts organization west Kanel, the event host and a sponsor, spearheaded the effort of the Mississippi River. Her artwork depicts the iconic statue to bring Salon Forever 28

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Salon St. Louis 2021

June 2021

of King Louis, the city’s namesake, superimposed over the Gateway Arch. Von Kanel said she only regrets that all the international members were unable to attend in person. The event’s presentations were live streamed for internet viewing. Many of the participants said they look forward to the return of international travel and reuniting with the entire membership of Salon Forever.

The 27 artists participating in Salon 2021 gathered for a group photo.

Gesso ContributinG Writer MiChael anderson: www.facebook.com/michael.anderson.526438 www.michaelandersonstudio.com

st. louis artists Guild www.facebook.com/stlouisartistsguild www.stlouisartistsguild.org

salon st. louis 2021 www.facebook.com/Salon-Saint-Louis-2021Saint-Louis-2021-107861537581750 GessoMagazine.com

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Sunday Morning Game Night

June 2021

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Sunday Morning Game Night

June 2021

#26

“SLEEP WALKER CHRONICLES”

EPISODE TWO: “MEMORY LOCK”

PICK ONE (READ ONLY YOUR CHOICE) TRY YOUR BEST FRIEND’s BIRTHDAY

TRY YOUR DOG’s BIRTHDAY ­

TRY YOUR MOTHER’s BIRTHDAY

TRY YOUR SISTER’s BIRTHDAY

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TRY YOUR BROTHER’s BIRTHDAY

­

TRY YOUR OWN BIRTHDAY

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AFTER YOU HAVE READ YOUR CHOICE THEN READ HERE

­

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About Grief and Healing

June 2021

About Grief and Healing

A Continuing Therapeutic Series of Written Word Art in dealing with Loss. The following two pieces on Grief and Healing were written by Janie Bloomer. She had this to say as an introduction:

I lost my partner of 36 years when she died 3-12020. These are a sample of some of the things I have written on grief. I don’t want to come across as an expert, because these are just my feelings at the time. Most of what I know has been learned through the mentorship of my grief counselor, Diana Cuddeback, and Megan Devine’s book, “It’s OK That You’re Not OK”. I write what I feel as I’m living this nightmare called Grief. Not only is writing therapeutic for me, but If I can help someone else who is grieving, all the better.

Janie Bloomer, A Heartlinks Griever Heartlinks Grief Center - https://myheartlinks. com

Images: “Forgiveness” by Angela L. Chostner - Art That Speaks To The Sacred Essence in Us All www.AngelaLChostnerArt.com

“The Awakening of Ēostre” by Valeria Prieto www.facebook.com/valeriaprietoartist

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About Grief and Healing

June 2021

Standing With Angels

by Janie Bloomer

There are earthly angels and celestial angels, They both are equally important.

We can’t always see the ones from Heaven, But they are still there just the same.

We sometimes get a hint that they are near When we find a penny or see a cardinal.

Or feel a puff of air from nowhere That surprises us and makes us shiver.

The day my soulmate was taken from me Is indelibly etched into my memory.

It was an experience I will never forget Because it was so painful yet so beautiful.

I am thankful that I was by her side, Holding her lifeless hand As she crossed over to the other side And her soul left her body.

Earlier that night, After all her visitors had left, She looked toward the window and said, “Well, what are we waiting for?”

When it was time for her to go, She turned her head toward the ceiling, And a single tear rolled down her cheek.

It meant that she was sad for me, But she wanted me to be happy for her

Janie

Because she would now be standing with angels.

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About Grief and Healing

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About Grief and Healing

June 2021

What Now?

By Janie Bloomer It’s been more than a year since my partner left me, And I don’t have any better idea of my purpose now Than I did on the day she died.

She was my purpose, my reason to be.

The person I greeted first thing in the morning And wished goodnight at bedtime.

There is a gaping hole where she once occupied The majority of my heart.

A wound that time will never heal.

Losing a soulmate is complicated because You are part of each other.

When one dies, some of the other one does, too.

We knew when we met that we were destined To be together forever.

It just took half of our lifetimes to find each other.

Perhaps I am meant to record my feelings And observations for other fellow grievers To make a smoother journey for them.

If so, then my purpose will be worthwhile.

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Janie

5-9-21

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June 2021

www.JohnnyBBQSauce.com www.Facebook.com/ Johnny-Sauce-502689276810563/

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(303) 524 5729 GessoMagazine.com

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Submissions

Kayla King

June 2021

Visual Artist

Having learned from a young age that visual art was a form of sanctuary for me, I began constantly exploring new mediums and subjects. As a result, aspects of my artistic style have changed throughout my life. While going through quarantine, I was triggered with a new inventiveness within me.

Animals spark within many people a true sense of joy, even during hard times, and my intention was to create pieces that embody that feeling. With that goal guiding my use of watercolor and gouache, I attempt to bring that reaction into homes with a distinct uniqueness of craft.

Watercolor is my medium of choice for these projects because it allows me to capture character luminescent features of the subject when delicately layered. Although I work with other mediums and subjects, I feel at home with watercolor pet portraits. I am drawn to their fluidity and thoroughly enjoy how well they pair with gouache when desiring opaque touches. I strive for a balance between realistic details distinct to an animal and playful uses of color and line. I find it easy to lose myself in routine, I tend to become rigid and tense when I align too closely with one. This project reflects a newfound peace I have discovered due to rejecting conventionality for the sake of my happiness. I am truly humbled by the opportunities I have had to work with so many happy pet parents as I grow within my artistry.

I am a commission artist that works with many mediums including watercolor, oil paint, digital applications and fabric. I am always open to discuss commissions of any kind.

Simply Facebook message me to discuss how to make your vision a reality.

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Submissions

June 2021

11X14 Watercolor on Paper GessoMagazine.com

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Contact through Facebook (preferred) or email with any inquieries!

Email: Kayladannn@hotmail.com

www.facebook.com/KaylaKingArtistry/

Submissions

June 2021

Pricing is determined by the size that you would like your comission to be. Every work of art is completely original and tailored to fit your needs!

6 x 6 headshot (one pet)= $55 8 x 10 (one pet) = $90 9 x 12 (one pet) = $120 11 x 14 (one pet) = $150 11 x 14 (two pets) = $200 11 x 14 (three pets) = $250 11 x 14 (four pets) = $320

11X14 Watercolor on Paper GessoMagazine.com

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Visit the RenewAudio.com/Music page for links and streaming music for our Artists.

Or Search Renew Audio Music or DrunkMouse Records for Spotify Playlist.

Renew Audio Music is available on all streaming services.

Search “Ian Buechele” on Spotify, iTunes and any streaming platforms to listen to Americana/ Blues songs by Ian Buechele.