I love “folk art”. It may sometimes seem primitive and naïve, but it can also be very uninhibited and honest. And I love the wild, bright colours that you so often find in folk art – there’s no worrying about the “colour wheel” or “toning values” here!
At the moment I’m working on a big panel, which will be composed of an assembly of designs inspired by folk art. I’ve finished a few of these already, but I’m beginning to think more about what I’m doing, and where the folk art inspirations came from. Take the example of a little rabbit that I’ve just finished
An embroidered rabbit for the folk art project
Unsophisticated, colourful, but where did the idea come from in the first place? Rabbits are common enough in “primitive art” – for example, this little wooden carving of a rabbit is typical of much American folk art.
A simple rabbit from the American folk art tradition
It’s beautifully observed – quite realistic, with naturalistic colours. But of course it’s not what you could call colourful.
On the other hand there is the vital, vibrant tradition of Mexican and Talavera folk art. This rabbit could hardly be called naturalistic!
A different rabbit, from a different tradition
In this case, the realism of the animal takes a back seat to wild and unrestrained patterns and colours. The animal shape could really be seen just as a platform on which to display the wonderful patterns
So which is best? The clear-sighted and considered American folk rabbit, or the way over-the-top Mexican version? Of course, neither is “best” – they’re just different and both beautiful. I suppose I borrowed the shape of my rabbit from the American tradition, but decorated him with some of the ideas from the Mexican artists. So it’s somewhere between the two kinds of art – and there’s nothing wrong with that!
I like the bright colours on the bunnies
Hi Mia, I have to admit I love all three versions, because they each represent a different aspect of artistic interpretation, and I appreciate the value of each version.
Your rabbit makes me smile and look forward to Spring! It is delightful!
Mia,
You really need to check out the rabbits on Sweet Pea: https://swpea.com/
I think you will enjoy them.
Jane
I love your rabbit! Especially the ears. Your Mexican-inspired decoration is happy and colorful, too. Thank you for showing your process from inspiration to final product. You share so much of yourself and help us all think through our creations better. Thank you!
As a collector of funky folk art, I love your rabbit! You always capture the facial expressions and the eyes so well! Your color choices were perfect but I also love the bold jewel tones of the Mexican bunny and the simplicity of the black and white. Great job, again!!
I love the folk art bunny. This is something I’d buy. I love your artistry.
As my mother would say, “He’s a real beauty!”