Helga Hornug
After thinking about this for a couple of days, I decided to look up the definition of both folk art and naïve art. This is what I found:
Naïve art is a classification of art that is often characterized by childlike simplicity in its subject matter and technique.
Folk Art - art originating among the common people of a nation or region and usually reflecting their original culture especially everyday or festive items produced or decorated by unschooled artists.
I am not actually a 'naïve' person in the true sense of the work - after all, at my age if I were naïve it would mean I haven't been paying attention. But there's no reason why my art can't reflect this tone and style. In the end I realized that all I want is to to reflect the joy that I get from the work of my hands. I think that will be enough of a definition for me.
"It is well for heart to be naïve and the mind not to be." - Anatole France
Love your comment that at our age, being naive would mean we haven't paid attention! True, and also humorous. Do I have an attention disorder? Sometimes! But the words that say it best are in your bottom quote...who would have thought the heart could be naive, but not the mind?! Your work will reflect this words. :)
ReplyDeleteI am also drawn to the naive/folk art genre and the simple joy they often reflect. Your punch needle birds are a lovely example of the fun, colorful nature of this kind of work. I look forward to seeing more :)
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful images, I too am drawn to naive art, the more traditional but also artists such as Paul Klee and Marc Chagall both of whom I would also classify as naive.
ReplyDeleteA lot of your work has a naive quality to it, and is obviously drawn from the heart
YES YES YES.
ReplyDeleteEverything about this post rings true for you, Penny [well, as far as I *know* you, that is]. I wonder where the need comes from for us to "define" ourselves from time to time? It's been happening to me, too. If it is doubt that starts it, I am grateful that's not where we end up ;>]]
Debbie - I have always loved Paul Klee's work. I hadn't thought of him as a naïve artist but I agree with you that both he and Marc Chagall are of that genre. That moves the bar up for me *smile*!
ReplyDeleteI like what Cristi said or should I say asked. I have a blog friend..
ReplyDeleteacreativedreamer.blogspot.com
whose art I absolutely love. She classes it as illustration. I love it because its simple with bold color.
I don't know..I just say it has the "June" factor. Jinx is another who's work I admire. She has that same element of whimsy.
xx, Carol
It's the pure joy in creating that shines through this sort of work and is so obvious in your work too, Penny. :o)
ReplyDeleteThat quote from Anatole France rings absolutely true, doesn't it!
ReplyDeleteGiven how textural punchneedle embroidery is, simplicity of outline is probably an enhancement rather than anything else!
More Naive art discussed here.
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