About

He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.  He who works with his hands, and his head, and his heart, is an artist.

– St. Francis of Assisi

La Bonetto is a family concept of working together to create a more balanced way of life.  A lifetime of nurturing creative expression as a family prepared us to embrace the conception and execution of art that is governed by imagination, innovation, and individual style.  Our inherent creativity is exercised and expressed – the Inner Artist is never dormant.  Mood and intensity only heighten the process of perfecting our craft.  Intuition, sensitivity, and awareness are the tools we use for solving creative challenges.

Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while.

– Steve Jobs, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Apple, Inc .

Eric Banas, a local Joshua Tree, CA artist has always pursued art and music and his artistic inclination is a natural source of inspiration for others.  His creative outlook on design, attention to detail, and love for the refined images of life have been motivating factors throughout his life.  A love for his environment and natural surroundings forged his respect and integrity in the use of reclaimed materials in his craft.

Before the conception of La Bonetto, Eric spent 10 years as the lead artist and Finish Manager for The Mueller Turner Company (specializing in the design, manufacture, and installment of fine furniture, casework, and architectural details).

Prior to his time with Mueller Turner, Eric spent 3 years under artist John Vugrin on an extensive project in the high desert of California.  Eric’s precision is evidenced in his flawless execution of the designer’s specifications for the highly acclaimed metal fabrications at the home of artist Bev Doolittle.  The home is considered the pinnacle of organic architecture and is the genius of famed architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg.

Eric Banas, along with his wife and sons, enjoys artistic outlet from music to artwork and considers each new project a blank canvas with endless potential. Developing artist workshops and collaborations are reflective elements of our vision for La Bonetto.