There’s something so charming about folk art.
Whoever we are, whatever we do, the overwhelming desire to express ourselves
runs deep. For many, that expression takes the form of folk art –objects
created by untrained people as a form of whimsy, for a gift, for pleasure,
often with a little pun thrown in.
I confess to an unrelenting passion for folk
art. My grandfather whittled in his spare time – carving tiny baskets from
peach, and even cherry, pits. Care, patience and love went into each piece. His
need to whittle was as great as his need to breathe, yet his objects served no
function other than self expression. It was from him that I learned to
appreciate the beauty in the ordinary, the possibilities in the mundane, the
treasures at our feet, if we just open our eyes to see through a different lens.
Which is a long way of getting to this charming little carved mouse. He's not "art" - he's far too crudely made for that. But he does have a wonderfully expressive face, feet and
tail carved for detail; he is a perfect example of folk art. I haven’t quite
figured out the irregularities of why the base was carved as it was. One theory
is that he was made to prop open a lightweight door – a tongue in cheek
reference to a mouse getting in the house maybe? Whatever the maker’s
intention, he’s (she’s?) created a delightful little piece I thought I’d share
with you. Find him in our Etsy shop - Sophisticated Florida.
Go have some fun today!
