5 minute read
The Largeman Collection - Howard Finster
Folk Art Exhibition at the Do Good Fund
By Natalie Downey
Sometimes the inspiration for art is divine. For reverend-turned-artist Howard Finster, the calling to create was unmistakable.
Alabama native Howard Finster experienced supernatural visions as a young child which continued into adulthood. Inspired by his faith, he became a minister passionate about sharing the message of God’s love.
Although he had created art throughout his life, it wasn’t until the 70’s that Finster received a message from God to use his art to spread the Gospel. So, Finster pivoted from preaching to creating art interwoven with Bible verses and messages of Heaven and hope.
The uniquely homespun nature of Finster’s self-taught art caught the attention of many, including popular rock bands such as R.E.M. Finster was commissioned to create an album cover for the band’s 1984 album “Reckoning,” and later also created The Rolling Stones award-winning album cover for “Some Girls” in 1986 and The Talking Heads album “Little Creatures” in 1985.
Finster’s art is one-of-a-kind, falling into categories such as “Outsider Art,” and also Folk Art, which features a naïve quality of self-taught, unconventional work which doesn’t follow standard art structures.
Most of Finster’s pieces feature bright colors and figures with words from Scripture woven throughout or overlaying the scene. Eventually he completed over 45k paintings, and as his collection of pieces grew, his home, called Paradise Garden, became a place of wonder and intrigue. Finster welcomed people to visit his home and view his artwork, as he remained humbly confident in his life’s mission of spreading the message of God through art.
For local art enthusiast and collector Joseph Largeman, meeting Howard Finster was momentous. His interest in Finster’s work was directly connected to his interest in music, and his first art by Finster was on the album covers he collected.
A lover of music and art, Largeman was able to experience “Finster Fest” in 1997, where he met Howard Finster and bought his first few hand-signed pieces by the artist, at the time, each costing between $35 - $55. Over the years, the Largeman Family Collection grew piece by piece, and today it includes over sixty pieces of Howard Finster’s art, as well as many pieces by other primitive folk artists.
“I like supporting local artists,” Joseph Largeman explains, “And I like self-taught artists - they’re pouring out their imagination into their work.” When the Largeman family moved into a farmhouse, they began growing their art collection to fill the spaces on the house’s empty walls. Largeman felt drawn to what he describes as “Real-deal Southern folk artists,” including Butch Anthony, John Toney, Buddy Snipe, and Purvis Young. As the Largeman Collection grew, so did the value of some of the art they had acquired.
“We started out with no grand plan,” Largeman explains, “It all evolved.” The Largeman family also enjoys connecting with others through art, and is looking forward to sharing more of their collection with the community. Over forty pieces from the Largeman Collection will be on display at the Do Good Fund from March 15 - May 17.
The Do Good Fund is a local nonprofit which makes art exhibitions available for public viewing. Entrance to their gallery is free, and they present new exhibitions regularly, supporting local artists, art-collectors, and photographers, and giving the community the opportunity to experience and learn about the art.
“This is a unique opportunity for the community to see a show like this,” says Do Good Fund’s Collection Manager Hallie Fivecoat. “It’s fun to focus on different mediums.”
During his life and ministry work, Howard Finster received well-deserved notoriety and respect for his passionate work. “He took his visions and the voices he heard, and channeled it into something positive,” Fivecoat explains. “He crafted his own iconic, recognizable style and it’s all encouraging - an appreciation of God’s gifts. His messages are simple , homespun, and positive.”
It’s no wonder many find the simple work of Finster to be a wonder. Relatably human and yet mysteriously supernatural, the work of Finster is, to many, a gift that truly feels divine.
Paradise Garden is open to visitors who wish to dive deeper into the world of Finster’s art. Located in Summerville, GA, Paradise Garden is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
In addition to art pieces by Howard Finster, the upcoming exhibition will include pieces by Southern folk artists John Toney and Purvis Young, all from the Largeman Collection.
A Do Good Salon featuring a talk with Katie Jentleson, the Senior Curator of American Art and Merrie and Dan Boone Curator of Folk and Self Taught Art at the High Museum of Art will take place Thursday, April 17 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and is open to the public. The Do Good Fund Gallery is located at 111 12th Street and is open to visitors Wed - Fri from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
For more information on the exhibition at the Do Good Fund, visit thedogoodfund.org.
