Santon Folk Art
Vintage 1930s French Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Wood, Fabric, Clay
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Finding the Right Folk Art for You
Folk art refers to a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Vintage, new and antique folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, portraiture and paintings, carnival art, quilts and duck decoys.
American folk art is frequently valued because of the traditional skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of folk art on 1stDibs.
- Is mandala art folk art?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, mandala art is folk art. The definition of folk art is art that reflects the sociocultural characteristics and values of a particular group of people. Mandala art fits this definition due to its association with the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of folk art from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Mexican folk art can be characterized by vibrant colored paintings and jewelry designed with floral motifs. Lush forests and animals, especially birds, are featured in Mexican folk art, which is a blend of Indigenous and European methods and skills. You’ll find a variety of Mexican folk art from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Among the materials used in folk art are cloth, wood, paper, clay and metal.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Jamini Roy was an Indian artist whose paintings often reflected his Indian roots. Roy combined imagery from Indian folk art with Western motifs to create his unique modern works. Subjects ranged from paintings of legendary figures to everyday life in rural Bengal. His goal was to make art affordable to everyone. Browse a selection of Jamini Roy paintings on 1stDibs.
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