Page 50 - Winter 2021

s| ARTSPEAK Couple united
by creativity
Story and photos by La Ruchala A. Murphy
Creativity and love go hand-in-hand.
Victor and Cherie St. Hilaire, the owners of VCS Custom Craft, have been linked together in life and craft since they tied the knot in 1984. Their artistic expression flows through materials, forms and colors that can spark emotions. Together, they appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the thrill of making something with their hands.
Fascinated with the craft of chainsaw carving, Victor began carving faces and eagles into wood and now has a distinctive rustic style to his craft. He also handcrafts chess boards, birdhouses and trinket boxes.
Cherie has been
an artist her whole
life. With expertise
in various medi-
ums, Cherie sees the
beauty in every-
thing around her. Her artistic eye trans- lates into her work with jewelry, suncatchers, glasswork, burning leathers and painted glass. Cherie also does art in pencil and charcoal. She enjoys scheduling artistic time in her busy schedule to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life.
Victor and Cherie call Watkinsville home. They enjoy being surrounded by neighbors who are creative thinkers and
Victor and Cherie St. Hilaire of VCS Custom Craft have been married since 1984.
artists. For Cherie, neighboring artists in- spire and motivate her to create new things.
The couple recently participated in the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation’s Holi- day Market, which is the only venue where they sell their work. However, they can be reached at peppertree02@hotmail.com.
Victor has a distinctive rustic style to his woodwork.
sLa Ruchala Murphy is the executive director of the Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation in Watkinsville, Ga.
PAGE 48 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021
Cherie enjoys making glasswork and painted glass.