The Daily Stencil Inspiration: The Enduring Appeal of Folk Art

Folk Art is a broad term to describe a style that is stylised and naive, usually hand applied, and an early decorative style (although it is also used to describe modern artisan products).  It is a hard style to pin down as there is European folk art and American folk art and one probably influenced the other, but the thing that ties them together is that it was generally art created by laborers, peasants or tradespeople in their own homes, so not, originally, something that was created professionally (hence the naive style).  But that is what makes it so appealing.  It is a humble art.  This was created to make homes and furniture more appealing.  It's wonderful naive style was borne out of lack of training, just pure artistic talent and vision.  Is it any wonder that antiques with original folk art painting from 200-300 years ago command high prices.  It is a style that has heart and warmth and lends itself well to any home.  Traditionally, it would have been painted in primary colours, but of course we have the freedom to get a bit more creative.  We have gone one step further and taken a flower in planter motif and created an allover repeat pattern from it.  The square repeat adds a certain abstract quality to stencilling when repeated.  This stencil is AM61 Pennsylvania and it is found in our new Folk Art section of American inspired stencil designs.  The stencil on the floor is VN22-L Tudor (large size) from our Vintage range.