Folk
Art
“Art
teaches us to see into things. Folk art and kitsch allow us to see
outward from within things.”
Walter
Benjamin
Being Southern is
synonymous with loving pork barbecue and folk art. It must be in the
genetic code, infused by the red clay soil and pine needles that are
the backdrop of life here. Alabama is especially rich in folk artists—from
the Gees Bend quilters to Tin Man, from Zkano Socks and Alabama
Chanin, to Conecuh Sausage and Orbix Hot Glass. Folk artists like to
make things that are “useful.” I think it arises out of the
poverty that has always plagued the South. It taught us to open our
eyes to the beauty of ordinary things, to pick up a piece of
discarded junk and think “how can I turn that into art.” Most
folk artists work with what they find, or what they have on hand.
They weave baskets out of pine needles, carve tables and benches from
cross sections of fallen trees, and make quilts from worn out work
clothes. I follow that same tradition.
I like the perspective of
Walter Benjamin on art—that fine art teaches us to see into
things—mood, emotion, perspective, color, style. It requires us to
imagine what is going on here. I find that especially true of
unstructured modern art. Folk art, on the other hand, teaches us to
look outward from within things—it has a “this is how it is”
feel to it. People relate to it because it's plain and everyday, cozy
and approachable. It looks and feels familiar, like home—because it
is.
I wonder whether you are
an artist—most people are, though many don't know it. If you are,
then you know that personal creativity is often what keeps us
tethered to the earth. Our art, whether poem or painting, crocheted
hat or blackberry cobbler, is a product of our inner reality. Making
it keeps us connected, body to soul. I hope you have ways of
getting to, and expressing, this deep reality within yourself. Even
in the midst of chaos, it can keep you calm and grounded.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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