5.9.11

Postcards from Paris: {The Folk Side of Things}







My August vacation was full of little adventures. Some occurred while I was in Utah, a number of adventures  while in Wisconsin, and one happened during an 8-hour layover in Washington DC. It was so joyous to see familiar faces and to catch up with everyone's current endeavors. Upon reflection back to all the photographs I had taken, I've discovered a newfound appreciation for the state of Georgia. So while I was there, between Atlanta and Savannah, I found myself amused by the small discoveries the peach-state had to offer.
As mentioned in a previous post, I enjoyed an afternoon visit to the HIGH museum, and while I was there I took particular notice to Howard Finster. Talk about a curious collection. He was determined to send out a certain message with his art despite the fact he had no formal lessons. He avoided learning correct techniques and immediately formed a style of his own, which often is the main dilemma of artists, creating style.
I've always been intrigue by the likes of folk art. For those who are self-taught with any endeavor, there seems to always be a more creative outcome. A result that comes from simple observation as opposed to a learned procedure. While working with children I am constant impressed by their creativity. It is often a struggle to tell them the "right way" of doing certain things. Picasso himself stated that he spent his entire life learning how to draw like a child again, and indeed made a name for himself by doing so.
Bisous,
Reba

3 comments:

Kirsten Sparenborg Brinton said...

I'm still thinking about Mr. Finster, too. I love how you've composed him.

Reba Baggett said...

Thank you, Kirsten! and to your camera ;)

Meriwether said...

wish i would have known you were so close. you need to meet the wee little person i created.