A collection of essays, a biography and retrospective of a versatile and prolific Kansas artist, 1907-1991. 203 pages.
Introduction
The author of each essay in this book seeks to inform the readers about Lester Raymer’s environment and the influences in his life. Raymer’s role as an artist within the context of the artistic community of Lindsborg, Kansas, is presented by Bruce R Kahler, a professor of History and Art History at Bethany College in Lindsborg. Don Weddle, artist and retired art teacher, focuses on the primary passions of Raymer: painting, watercolor, drawing, illustration and printmaking. Christian symbolism and biblical representations permeate Raymer’s artwork in the media he explored. Diane Thomas Lincoln, artist and professor of art in Wichita, Kansas, explores Raymer’s Spiritual visions.
Lester Raymer married Ramona Weddle in 1945 and began a tradtition of creating a gift of love for her each year at Christmas. Beginning in 1960, these gifts focused on toys patterned after traditional and antique toys. Lan Nelson, artist and special friend of the Raymers, presents the thematic and chronological development of these toys. Dr. Carla Scott, artist and Executive Director of the Raymer Society, focuses on the transformations Raymer made to enhance the aesthetic of the Red Barn Studio, the “potboilers” created to produce income in the early days, and the three-dimensional artwork he created.
The essays were developed independently, yet the writing team met regularly to maintain a focus and uniformity of presentation. The writers’ exploration of a topic may overlap information from other essays where it is necessary to support concepts. The introductory biographical information is a compilation of information from combined research. In addition, Sally Johnson, artist, and member of the staff at the Red Barn Studio, interviewed visitors who knew the Raymers. She spent many hours reviewing text for this book.
Information about Lester Raymer, his life and his art, continues to be revealed. The writers recognize that this is not a comprehensive nor conclusive text about Raymer; rather it is the ‘Beginnings.’
