When the Spirit Speaks

Self-Taught Art of the South

by Margaret Day Allen

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

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Pub Date Feb 28 2015 | Archive Date Feb 28 2015

Schiffer Publishing Ltd. | Schiffer

Arts & Photography

Description

This book introduces the reader to 32 self-taught artists in the Southeastern United States. Some have already come to the attention of collectors and scholars. Many others have been unrecognized outside of their immediate neighborhoods. What they all have in common is an unquenchable desire to make art. Often defying the expectations of family and friends, they have pursued this inspiration. In many cases, these artists began to create in response to a personal crisis. Others harbored an interest in art for many years but only had the time to create following retirement. Most were initially unaware of the academic art world, either because they were unable to afford an art education or because their families considered such an aspiration impractical. These stories of perseverance, struggle and triumph illustrate the strength of the creative impulse, which is a part of us all.

This book introduces the reader to 32 self-taught artists in the Southeastern United States. Some have already come to the attention of collectors and scholars. Many others have been unrecognized...

Available Editions

EDITION	Hardcover
ISBN	9780764347313
PRICE	$34.99 (USD)

Additional Information

Average rating from 6 members

Featured Reviews

Claudia B, Reviewer

At some point in our lives, many of us where creatives, expressing ourselves freely, without restriction. A lot of times, that spark of inspiration is gone, hidden because of discouragements and responsibilities. Some however never give up being an artist, and this book is about those people. From wood carving, to pottery, from connecting with Ancestors to listening to the Spirit, the Artists covered here are as varied as their medium, but are in no form lacking talent and enthusiasm. What they all do not have, is formal training, which did not stop them, and in that - and the account of how they continued their art, through and despite it all - they inspire us to get a hold of the medium of our choice, and create - just create. Beautifully shot pictures highlighted the best of each of these artist, and through Mrs. Allen's words, we all can spent a little time with these great people. I love this book, as I generally love these types of books, that give those who are usually not featured in the big magazines or online publications a chance to share their work, and how it came to be. I am glad that I got to read this book, and am very much looking forward to finding out what else Mrs. Allan has in mind for us next.
(This review will be posted on Feb. 28th, on my review blog, Medium, Goodreads and Amazon)