Description
Book SynopsisThis book introduces the reader to 32 self-taught artists in the Southeastern United States. Some have already come to the attention of collectors and scholars. Many others have been unrecognized outside of their immediate neighborhoods. What they all have in common is an unquenchable desire to make art. Often defying the expectations of family and friends, they have pursued this inspiration. In many cases, these artists began to create in response to a personal crisis. Others harbored an interest in art for many years but only had the time to create following retirement. Most were initially unaware of the academic art world, either because they were unable to afford an art education or because their families considered such an aspiration impractical. These stories of perseverance, struggle and triumph illustrate the strength of the creative impulse, which is a part of us all.
Trade ReviewThere is a wide range of Southern self-taught artists in this delightful, large-format, hard-cover book. Working with all kinds of media, they are unified by the personal aesthetic of Day Allen who selected them based on her personal preference and love for the artwork. She then travelled to each artist's home or workspace to interview them and see the art in situ. In all, the book gathers 32 self-taught artists, describing their lives and art. There is also an explanation of "self-taught art" in this context, and a list of further reading at the back of the book. Regular Raw Vision readers might recognise painter J.J. Cromer, stone-carver Tim Lewis and collagist/painter Bruce New, and will be introduced to numerous other artists including those who work with many kinds of media such as Bruce Davenport and O.L. Samuels. - Raw Vision Magazine, July 2015.
