photo by Hisham Razaq

As an artist, an avid book lover, and a fore-edge painter, I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Yeoman’s in the Fork. For me, books feel sacred. I think of the time and energy the writer puts into his or her work, and how the author’s soul permeates the book. And this knowledge and wisdom is given to the world as a gift of love and labor, for no book is easy to write.

When creating fore-edge paintings it feels like I am stepping back in time to quieter place where craftsmanship and art merge into beautiful one-of-a-kind creations. Although I have only recently learned this blending of craft and art, it feels so familiar.

I started as an artist early. The story was told to me that I was drawing on walls before I could walk. All of my painting sold in my first exhibit—at the age of five. My artwork has been chosen for National Tour Exhibitions, won awards, exhibited in the Saint Louis Art Museum, galleries and purchased for the Missouri State Capital building, and for many individuals. My latest project has been creating an illustrated children’s book, Finding Me. If you enjoy seeing children’s illustrations, you must go to www.melodykrafftartist.com. It is quite lovely.