'Treats' Acrylic on wood assemblage ©robinrkent

Monday, October 31, 2011

November 1 Day of the Dead Art

Bucket of Garden Jesters
(keeps the evil garden hose away from
your flowers)

Can you tell which one is alive?
©robin r kent
I love the Day of the Dead art. One of many categories in the folk art genre. To me, it's the pinnacle of what folk art can be.
Even though I'm a New England folk artist, where restaint and limited affect is the style, I sometimes secretly desire to be a Latina folk artist where flourishes, over the top embellishment, and highlights in outrageous colors flowing freely from the heart, is the norm.
And I'm comfortable with the subject matter. Often I feel surrounded by other worldly spirits as I work. Maybe because some of my work is suggestive of real beings as I glimpse quickly around my workshop or studio. Another group of collectors appreciating my work. Some are more alive than others and always stand out amongst their brethern. They give suggestions or solutions if I'm open to their whispers.
So just when you are over Halloween, here's the next event celebrating all seen and unseen facets of our collected humanity. Long live the Day of the Dead.

5 comments:

Cindi Myers said...

I must agree, you definitely have company! I bet they whisper to each other in awe of your work.
I can only imagine if you embellished your work and was outrageous with your flourishes! I don't know if I could handle it! :D
Have a Joyful Day of the Dead!
:D - Cindi

Carole Reid said...

I love the Day of the Dead art too! Wouldn't it be cool to go to Mexico to see it in all it's glory!
Years ago I was in Paris on Nov 1 for their celebration of All Saints Day. They go to the family graves and have picnics with their relatives. Very sweet memories.

Karin Lynn said...

Now I want to know just what do you have by your door for Halloween?....I think it could be a hoot knocking at your door.....mind you, now days we hesitate to put anything of value outside and your work IS fabulous,loaded with personality and Funny and VERY VALUABLE....Karin Lynn

Robin Kent said...

Thanks Cindi and Carole!
Carole- with D of the D, what will we do in the future when everyone opts for cremation!? I went to Jim Morrison's grave while in Paris many years ago, and while it wasn't Dof the D day, a bunch of people were acting like it was. And I don't think they were related to him...
Karin- every year when we get too tired from answering the door, we put the basket of candy on one of my lifesize seated sculptures in front of the door on the porch with a note saying - help yourself to one. We're watching you! (Doesn't always work, but don't really know since we're not the ones doing the watching!)

Sharin Barber said...

Completely amazing and wonderful........... a bucket full of faces!