As her untrained ancestors of the past, weaving watercolor and paper-cutting, this contemporary folk artist finds joy as she incorporates her PA German heritage while painting the many charms of nature.
Chust Fer Fancy
"Chust fer fancy" is a PA Dutch phrase that translates to "Just for Fancy". Historically, the Pennsylvania German Lutherans & Quakers loved to decorate in detail everything from furniture to gravestones and plates to butter molds. They are referred to as the "Fancy Dutch" while the Amish & Mennonites, also PA Dutch, are referred to as the "Plain Dutch".
Of all the peoples who immigrated to America, perhaps few are better known for their distinctive arts than the Germans who settled in Pennsylvania, also known as the Pennsylvania Dutch. In August 1733 the Elizabeth sailed into Philadelphia and unloaded a band of German immigrants onto the rich soil they were yearning to farm.The settlers were devout, simple, honest folk, prepared for hardship and used to hard work. The potter tried his hand and produced utilitarian objects of beauty while the cabinet maker did his best to fill his order for a dower chest. The smith turned out graceful hardware for the new home and the Fraktur artist used garish colors and naïve drawings to record the birth of a child, celebrate a marriage & more.
Her paper cutting is most impressive! You can certainly see her heritage through this paper-cutting tradition. The panelists enjoyed seeing the innovation in her work, and she defined the evolution in her work very well. They are lovely pieces… - MAC Innovation Award, Semi-Finalist, Panel Comments
Resources:
Arts of the Pennsylvania Germans, by Swank, Forman, Sommer, Schwind, Weiser, Fennimore & Swan, published by W.W. Norton & Co., 1983
Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, by Corinne and Russell Earnest, published by Schiffer, 1999
Arts of the Pennsylvania Germans,by Swank, Forman, Sommer, Schwind, Weiser, Fennimore & Swan, published by W.W. Norton & Co., 1983
Fraktur: Folk Art & Family, by Corinne and Russell Earnest, published by Schiffer, 1999