Celebrating The American Folk Art

By Author: Jil Evans
Total Articles: 4
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Celebrating the American Folk Art

A thing of beauty is a joy forever…” The first line of John Keats’ poem, , is an analogy to describe folk art pieces from 18th century. Every folk art object is a symbol of love it’s all handcrafted with a sense of simplicity, honesty. However, the timelessness of these items lies not only in their visual appeal but also in their designs. Handmade by people without any training, folk art pieces are meant to serve as a aesthetics in mind. A blend of simple creativity is what makes folk art an interesting. Everyday objects such as crockery, stoneware exemplify folk art at its best.
During the 1920s, folk art gained significant recognition. This is the period described as the “Roaring Twenties.” It was the decade that witnessed a dramatic transition in the social and political environment of the United States. These new residents wanted to decorate their homes with art that would take them closer to their roots.

Folk paintings – depicting everyday scenes in strong colors

It was during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century that American ...
... folk painting came. With a majority of the population now living in cities, people decorated their homes with paintings. Today, American folk art paintings are included in museums all over the world.
The fine art paintings vary widely. Portraits, seascapes, rural landscapes, floral patterns, cityscapes and textured surfaces are some of the popular themes. Beyond depictions of humans, fauna portraits in watercolor and gouache are also common. Paintings of well-known personalities and events are particularly valued as well.

Practicing simplicity in expression through generations

American folk art is also well known for their, duck deco & tramp art
Folk art is all about the simple and honest expression of everyday objects and lifestyle. Handcrafting skills are passed on from one generation to the next generation. These traditions are well preserved and in local communities. To create quilts, chests, and decoys, artist use many different techniques. These include chiseling, carving, sewing, weaving, hammering, embroidering, and knitting

The subject matter of folk paintings varies widely. Portraits, seascapes, rural landscapes, floral patterns, and textured surfaces are some of the popular themes. Beyond depictions of humans, fauna portraits in watercolor and gouache are also common. Paintings of well-known personalities and events are particularly valued as well..