Collections are a visual representation of stories, and one of the collections we were recently privileged to view belongs to Jim and Corinne Van Meter.
Copper Stars Representing the Van Meter’s Children
Jim came into our Show Room a few years ago and purchased three copper stars, in varying sizes that Mike had made. These stars represent to Jim and Corinne, their three children; their son and his military experience, their oldest daughter, an actress and documentary filmmaker, and their youngest daughter, now passed on, their “bright shining star”-an incredible pilot at the age of 11, a college graduate and a Peace Corps volunteer in her adult years. The stars have a prominent display which is very simple and beautiful.
Corinne relates that “copper is organic . .. it has depth and [it] changes, which is symbolic of us- the human condition.” In their home, with artwork from all over the world, she says “copper is that thing that pulls it all together. I wanted its earthiness in our home.” They like knowing the artist that created the work of art.
Corinne expresses that she feels the strength of the Ancients in this area of Southern Utah. She is a very spiritual woman and she and Jim have included several of Mike’s copper pieces in their collection.
Copper Infinity Symbol
One of those pieces is an Infinity symbol formed in copper, hanging from a simple wooden stick from our property.
Hand Hammered Copper Cross
Another is a hand hammered copper cross.
A candle stand made of copper with sandstone platforms for the candles to perch on has a place in their collection along with a piece of wall art Mike made by corrugating a piece of copper by hand and mounting it on a frame of steel.
Copper Candle Stand
Corrugated Copper Wall Art
The view from the patio of the Van Meters reminds me of the poem, “Slow Me Down Lord” by Wilfred A. Peterson, with the mountains on the horizon, the red rock cliffs in the distance and the peaceful quiet of their mountaintop hushing the hustle and bustle of life going on in the city below us.
Corinne has published a book about the family’s experience with loss titled “Is it Dusk or Is it Dawn- a Hopeful Journey Through Grief,” which can be found on Amazon and at her website Anchor of Light.
The Van Meters share Vicki’s incredible story and her accomplishments as a young pilot at Vicki Van Meter.
