Folk art is a type of artistic expression made by those who have not received official training as artists and may not be connected to the fine art community. Crafts ornamental arts and other aesthetic expressions that are passed down within a group or culture are all included in the broad category of folk art.
Folk art frequently represents the cultural values, beliefs and traditions of the community in which it is produced and is also made for practical or utilitarian purposes, such as usage in daily life or for special events. A vast variety of media, including painting, sculpture, textiles, crafts and more can be included in folk art.
Folk art is frequently regarded as being separate from fine art, which is typically produced by qualified artists who have attended art schools and are connected to the fine art community. However, the line separating folk art from fine art can sometimes be hazy & some folk art techniques have been valued & recognised in the fine art community.
Folk art comes in a wide variety of forms that might differ significantly based on the cultural and artistic traditions of the community where it is produced. Folk art frequently takes the following forms:
- Crafts Items made with traditional methods and materials that are aesthetically pleasing or utilitarian, such as ceramics, quilts, baskets & carpentry.
- Decorative arts items like furniture, textiles, ceramics & metals that are produced for decorative purposes.
- Painting Using paint on a variety of media such as canvas, wood or walls to convey one’s artistic vision.
- Sculpture is a kind of artistic expression that makes use of three-dimensional materials like clay, stone or wood.
- Textiles are used in a variety of artistic medium including embroidery, weaving and quilting.
- Folk music is a term used to describe musical customs & practises that are carried down within a group or culture, frequently utilising conventional instruments and musical forms.
- Folk dance which frequently involves particular steps, moves & costumes refers to the traditional dance forms and traditions that have been passed down within a community or culture.
- Folk tales and storytelling: customs of oral storytelling passed down within a community or culture, frequently utilising myth legend and folklore.
