While travelling, a pleasurable way for me to spend time in a new place is to visit a local gallery. Something small and community-centric. If you’re lucky, the artists may even be on site, offering classes or working away in nearby studios. If I’m not travelling, I find that local farmer’s markets and summer arts festivals present a boon of creativity served up by friends and neighbours. In both cases, to me, the art is accessible. The artist is present physically or represented with great care; I can hear the stories behind their work, why they chose a specific medium, which painting, sculpture, or craft is their favourite, and what inspired them. Some are just as passionate and eager to talk about their joy in creating as they are in actually creating. In many cases, the artists are in a new chapter of their lives. Retired teachers, labourers, or former 9 to 5ers finding a fulfilling purpose and expression. Some started their creations as a simple hobby, not expecting their work to one day premier in a local gallery exhibition or showcased in brochures or posters for arts festivals. The overall vibe from such artists tend to be modest. They wear the “artist” label humbly, but their work speaks volumes. This is the folk art genre.
Their creations can depict many types of stories: personal history, natural history, commemoration, tribute, folklore. In former Art Gallery of Nova Scotia curator Ray Cronin’s Nova Scotia Folk Art, the works of 50 contemporary folk artists are shared across “waves,” or phases of trends and styles over time. In lieu of not being able to visit this art gallery in person, this guide presents a stunning illustrated overview of folk art that found their way from one’s home to museum showcase.
From the first or classic wave of artists, I was happily occupied with Sidney Howard’s primitive carved figures. What began as 6 foot carved roadside likenesses of women and mounties used to help others locate his home, Howard’s artistic foray led to axe and hatchet carved sculptures of Prime Minister Diefenbaker and musician Rita MacNeil. Of course, another fellow roadside attraction, the influential Maud Lewis, is also highlighted in this era. I spent a lot of time admiring her painted house and vibrant flora and fauna scapes. For the latter, there is a nostalgic feel to them, almost like watching an animated 1970s short from the National Film Board.
The second wave includes the striking work of Joseph Deveau, a former home builder who crafted intricate whirligigs. I would love to see his lumberjack dancers in action, but will settle for the fun picture on page 75. Bradford Naugler is another happy discovery. No stranger to a chainsaw, he’s also carved an impressive repertoire featuring the Fathers of Confederation, a rosebush with hummingbirds, and curiously, Barack and Michelle Obama.
As we arrive at the third wave, the influences of previous eras are still present. Deanne Fitzpatrick’s hooked rug landscapes remind us of the general nature of folk artists — mostly self-taught creatives working within local environments which seed inspiration. Cronin leaves us with consideration for the future waves about to crash upon the shore. I also wonder how much technology, including artificial intelligence, will impact the future of folk art contribution. This guide only scrapes the surface, and I’ve barely mentioned a handful of the talent covered by Cronin. It’s a great read for those interested in folk tradition shared by the best names you may have never heard of.
Ray Cronin is a writer, curator, and arts consultant. From 2001-2015 he worked at the Art gallery of Nova Scotia as Curator of Contemporary Art and then Senior Curator from 2001-2007. His book Alex Colville: Art and Life was published by the Arts Canada Institute in 2017 alongside the first book in his series, Gaspereau Field Guides to Canadian Artists on Mary Pratt. Ray lives in East Hants, Nova Scotia.
Publisher: Nimbus Publishing (April 16, 2024)
Paperback 10″ x 8″ | 144 pages
ISBN: 9781771088343
Mala Rai is a poet, drummer, psychology student, and technical writing hired gun on the West Coast. Her most recent poems have appeared in Eclectica Magazine, High Shelf Press, and Anti-Heroin Chic. You can follow her on Instagram @malaraipoetry
