The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

June 23That Which Is Near

O thou sculptor, painter, poet! / Take this lesson to thy heart: / That is best which lieth nearest; / Shape from that thy work of art.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow—“Gaspar Becerra,” The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1845)

One of the most compelling aspects of folk art is that the works are often made from very common materials, many of which are on hand and reclaimed from some former use.

The artist may not even consider themselves an artist or that they are making art. They simply chose to fashion something out of what was near.

Consider this quote from folk art dealer Amelia Jeffers:

As society places a bigger emphasis and acceptance on individuality, folk art should remain an appealing niche of the art and antiques market. It exemplifies characteristics like anti-establishment, creativity, and an autonomous spirit.

Well, that sounds a bit like a tidy characterization of self-reliance, doesn't it?

You are not a folk artist (unless you are), but there's an intriguing lesson in the idea of bringing your “art” to life from a simple, humble, near idea that only you can craft into something grand. Put like that, it sounds a lot more exciting than visiting an art museum so that you can stare longingly at someone's sculpture fashioned from the rarest of exotic wood. Don't suppose one day that you will create your art; do it now.

Challenge Question

1. Are you an artist? Who says?