Folk Art

Folk art is an art form that is generally practiced by people who have little or no academic or formal training in the field of art. These people usually rely on established styles and techniques, developed by a specific culture, region, or tribe over a period of time. The folk art produced by them reflects the culture, social values, mores, traditions, period, etc., which the artists belong to. The works of art produced by professional, and trained artists are not categorized under folk arts. Folk art can be traced to the earliest periods of time by the paintings done my men of the prehistoric times on the cave walls. Folk art can include works of painting, sculpture, body painting, body piercing, and puppetry among other form of expression. Even the tools, costumes, earthen wares and utensils, are sometimes considered folk art. Folk art is usually inspired by mythic tales in cultures around the world. Most of these arts represent popular mythical characters, creatures, demons, and animals. The famous works includes Alebrijes, the Mexican folk art; Chinese folk arts; and Yakshagana, from India. The folk art can also be seen as a way of going back to the roots of the collective human consciousness. This can be gauged by the rise in the works of self taught folk arts, and in its gaining acceptance and popularity. It is also being popularized by the mass media such as the 'Grassroots Art' movement, in Kansas and Wisconsin states. The various pieces of folk arts such as American pottery mermaid, Italian folk figures made of molded rubber set, oil paintings by ancient roman fountain Italian folk art, etc. are available online stores and at various stores around the world.