Members provide their own materials, but paint is supplied for use on Guild days.
A small library of books on Folk Art is available for the use of Guild members.
Folk Art – also known as “Bauernmalerei” (Literally 'Farmers' Painting) is the centuries old European art of painting on wooden furniture and other household objects. It is also known as Decorative Art and 'Tole' painting.
There are numerous styles of Folk art. Every European country has its own distinctive style which can also change from region to region – town to town.
Some are very primitive or 'naive' – usually painted by itinerant carpenters and cabinet makers others are highly sophisticated and painted by accomplished artists in the classical “Biedermeier” and empire styles.
Folk Art is the beginning of all decorative art techniques and although today's decorative artists do step over the line and teach some fine art techniques, it must be remembered that the true Folk Artist was self taught and painted scenes from his every-day life and surroundings.
Favourite in wardrobe panels was the four seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Portraits of brides and grooms and their lives (almost like American memory quilts) and much religious symbolism appeared on chests, wardrobes and bed heads, painted by the artists of the 17th & 18th centuries.
Interestingly, the 17th & 18th century Folk Artists were exclusively men, yet the present worldwide renaissance of folk art is largely due to the interest of women.
In the United States for example, at least 90% of today's nationally recognized artists are women. Over the past 25 years a clearly discernible contemporary American Folk Art style has evolved.
Although the interest is growing in Australia and New Zealand, there is not yet a visible “Australian” or “New Zealand” Folk Art style.
We have visits by Guild Tutors at times during the year, and tuition is given on club days and at special workshops.
Visitors are welcome on work days.
