What is Folk Art?

Folk art is not the same as fine art, as most people believe. It would not be found in any of New York’s galleries. It’s in people’s basements, garages, and attics. Folk art is best described as the handiwork of individuals from a certain community that depicts their daily lives and the times in which they lived. That is something you can’t put a price on, from the weather vane on the barn to the handcrafted rag dolls the kids played with.

A talented painter or sculptor, whose personality or life may be portrayed in the piece, creates traditional, high-end art. This was not created by a well-known artist, but by regular folks in need of particular items. These goods were utilized on a daily basis. They were created with the intention of making life easier or more enjoyable. They were never intended to be sold at an elite Folk Art Auction house by the people who created them. The things were given to relatives and friends as gifts. There was no price tag on the item.

Quilts are a popular folk art style. Her family’s bed cover was being made by the seamstress. If she was a skilled needlewoman, the item could have had intricate embroidered or appliqué work portraying scenes from the area. Some of the quilts, such as the wedding quilt, were produced for special events. The rings represented the couple’s togetherness as they wedded. In today’s market, these handcrafted quilts and blankets are in high demand.

Folk art has a long and illustrious history. People continue to invent things in order to make their lives easier or more comfortable. Toys are designed with children in mind. Wood carvings, for example, are done for the mere beauty of it. Local artisans who are proud of their ancestry are continuing the practice and teaching younger generations how to perform things like basket weaving and tin smithing.

There are festivals highlighting the legacy of various regions all around the country. Many local artisans set up booths to demonstrate their handiwork and creations. Some vendors sell these products to guests. Many of these events take place in the fall. Traditionally, this is when the true craftspeople’ lives would slow down. With the planting and growth completed, it was now time to begin enjoying the bounty. Many people would turn to their craft to pass the time if they had more time on their hands.

Many exhibits from all across the country can be found in the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. You can also find Folk Art for sale in this museum. The lives of the artists are shown in paintings. A large number of quilts are on show. Some are simple in design, while others are highly detailed. Pottery and tin objects from the 18th and 19th centuries are on display. The artisan’s identity has been established over the years thanks to certain markings on the pieces. It’s fascinating to examine the different styles that each master artisan employed when creating their creations. Toys and painted board games are on exhibit to show what was available to youngsters at the period.Folk art is a reflection of America’s historical heritage. It depicts the country’s history. Every piece represents a piece of American history.

Jayson Butler is historian and fond of antique collectibles.