Folk art is not art as most people would think. You won’t find it in the galleries of New York. You find it in people’s homes, garages, and attics. The best way to describe folk art is to say that it is the craftsmanship of people from a local area that represents everyday life and the times they shared. From the weather vane in the barn to the handmade rag dolls the kids played with, that’s something you can’t put a price on.
High-end traditional art is produced by a talented painter or sculptor whose personality or life may be represented in the piece. This was not created by a named artist, but by ordinary people who needed certain things. These items were used every day. They were created to make life easier or more enjoyable. The people who created them would never have dreamed of selling them at some luxury auction house. The items were given to family and friends. There was no price tag.
Quilts are a popular form of folk art. The seamstress was making a quilt for her family. If you were an expert with the needle, detailed embroidery may have been done on the piece or applied work depicting scenes from the area. Some of the quilts were made for special occasions, like the wedding quilt. The rings symbolize the union of the two by getting married. These handmade quilts and blankets are in great demand in today’s market.
The folk art tradition continues to this day. People are still creating things to make their lives easier or more comfortable. Toys are created for children. Some pieces are created for their sheer beauty, such as wood carvings. Local artisans who are proud of their heritage are picking up on the tradition and beginning to teach younger people how to make things, like weaving baskets or forging tin.
There are festivals throughout the country that celebrate the heritage of different regions. Many local artisans set up exhibits to display their work and useful creations. Some offer these items for sale to visitors. Many of these festivals take place in the fall. This is traditionally when the life of these true artisans slowed down. After sowing and cultivating, it was time to start enjoying the harvest. With more time on their hands, many people would turn to their craft to pass the time.
The Museum of American Folk Art located in New York City has many exhibits from around the country. There are paintings that represent the lives of artists. There are many quilts on display. Some have a simple design and others are intricately detailed. Visitors can see pottery and tin pieces made in the 18th and 19th centuries. Certain marks made on the pieces have allowed the craftsman to be traced over the years. It is interesting to see the styles that each master craftsman used to create their works. Painted toys and board games are displayed to see what children of the time played with.
Folk art is a reflection of the past history of America. It shows the history of this nation. Each piece is part of the heritage of the United States.