What the Folk
Vintage folk art suddenly feels very now
So much of what’s resonating with me in the interiors space these days is rooted in vintage design. Case in point: the uptick in folk art pieces used in professionally-styled spaces.
See below…
Below, I’ve rounded up some tips on how to shop for folk art, and selected a few of my favorite pieces currently available to shop online.
How to Get the Look
Look for childlike artwork: Folk art really just means a piece is made by a self-taught or “outsider” artist. The themes are often what sets folk art apart, though, as it generally focuses on issues of social justice or even old Bible stories. It’s also often painted on scrap materials, rather than traditional canvas.
Shop for tramp art: Tramp Art is a form of folk art that emerged in the Great Depression when resources were scarce. Basically, self-taught artists used readily available materials (think popsicle sticks, cigar boxes, etc.) to create decorative and functional pieces. Tramp Art lamps and mirrors are some of my favorite pieces to hunt for.
Reach for animalia: Anything with an animal motif, particularly colorful pieces like the tigers in the second photo above, are such fun to throw into a space and add a dose of whimsy. Look for small objects like those guys, or larger animal-shaped benches.
Mose Tolliver painting // Popsicle stick lamp // Five Star Folk Art book // Leopard bench // Colorful Toucan head // Swedish folk art box
Rapid Fire
What I’m reading: The reason Ayo Edibiri is always dressed so flawlessly on the red carpet? Stylist Danielle Goldberg.
What I’m buying: This very folk art-esque blouse (a button-up covered in fruit? Absolutely).
And I’ll leave you with this…