HOWARD FINSTER

Pennville, GA
December 2, 1916 - October 22, 2001

Howard Finster, a one-time Baptist minister, lawn mower, and television repair man, settled in rural Georgia and began painting out of a feeling of divine inspiration and as a way to tell stories of salvation to the masses. His art career took off in the 1980s as Folk Art gained popularity, a genre into which the art world had neatly shoe-horned Finster's style.

Finster's work is well-known in many circles from museums and galleries to small collectors throughout the world. In his lifetime, he created more than 45,000 works of art, as well as a two-and-a-half art refuge containing pieces made from found materials. Located in Pennville, GA, Finster's "Paradise Garden" attracts flocks of fans each year to admire his most interesting, permenant work.

Each of Finster's pieces are a combination of sacred and cultural icons that are frequently mixed with messages reflecting his religious past. In fact, Finster's entire art career began with divine inspiration to use art to further religious messages. Whether directly or not, these messages are found throughout his work, even including album covers for the Talking Heads and R.E.M. (when asked why he designed the covers even though he does not like rock and roll, Finster replied that "I had twenty six million verses go out and reach the world").

Most of his pieces are composed of paint on wood or found objects. Although influenced by divinity, the art does not feel "religious" in an overbearing way. Colorful and often whimsical, Finster's work remains wildly popular today.

WEBSITE: www.finster.com
INQUIRIES: There are a lot of brick-and-mortar galleries and websites who sell Finster's work, because he produced it so prolifically. Some online resources are Anton Haardt Gallery, David Leonardis Gallery, and Garde-Rail Gallery. Prices start around $350+.
All images Copyright Howard Finster.