'Treats' Acrylic on wood assemblage ©robinrkent

Friday, June 24, 2011

Folk Art Diary: Music, food, and contemporary folk art. What an ensemble.

'Jazz Piano Player' framed assemblage
©robin r kent
For some, modern and contemporary folk art can be similar to jazz music, in a way that when you see it, you like it. For others, maybe not. But I believe you can develop an appreciation for it.
In the culinary arts, if you're a gringo like me, it took small steps to appreciate Sriracha hot sauce. I've come to love Mexican food. And Thai. Of course, French. Actually I love all food. But what I thought was spicy is now mild.
It works the same way for music. I needed to hear the familiar. If it's got a good beat, I can dance to it. Goes right to my soul. I didn't 'get' Herbie Hancock at first. How can you dance to that? Now I drift along 'kind of blue' easily, painting alongside jazz greats (and smalls). Miles Davis is my musical version of Marc Chagall. Charlie Parker resembles Jackson Pollock. Guess I love music in the same way as food and art. Necessary part of life. Still have to work on my Opera chops, though. Gustav Klimt, maybe? (Want to suggest a visual artist to describe Bob Dylan?)
So, when scanning the artscene at it's dance, I find contemporary folk art in the corner, alone. How to catagorize it's persona? How to put the kind of art I paint/assemble/sculpt into words without people thinking of girls in profile with big bonnets when I add 'folk art' to the explanation? Yes, it is a melange of styles. Delightfully primitive, yet sophisticated, with a hint of visionary.
Maybe let people discover their taste for it a little at a time. There's such a rich of diversity on the contemporary folk art menu. Good thing it doesn't have any calories.

7 comments:

Cindi Myers said...

well, I was over at Sandy's and saw your comment and thought I'd just drop over and visit....
whoaaaaaaaaa.
I'm swirling around in awe.
I've read several posts and stared intently at your work and thought I had better come back and comment quickly before I forget!
You make me want to create again!
I haven't done anything in ages and now I am so inspired! You made me remember what I love.
Now I'm off to read some more!
Your newest Follower! - Cindi

Gwen Bell said...

This is so much fun. Love that uber-cool purple frame too. Just perfect for the piece!

Robin Kent said...

Thanks Cindi and Gwenn. There are such great artists, writers and thoughtful people out there. And to be able to have a conversation with each one!
BTW Cindi, I'm now a follower of yours, too. Glad you'll be back on the art trail. Looking forward to it.

Mikko Tyllinen said...

Beautiful!

Sharin Barber said...

He looks like such a cool dude from the menu!

CWBarnes said...

Robin ... the Jazz Piano Player in the Chagall frame of mind is very cool. I luv Chagall and all the early 20th century men & women who threw paint & caution to the wind. Keep in my for my Joseph & Mary scene. If u dont think that will work ... keep in mind for my springtime commission. xox Carol B - Tomball, TX

Robin Kent said...

Will keep Chagall in good company with Joseph and Mary!