Local artist blowing Glass sculpture for "Natural Mystic"-local shop in the highlands, Louisville, ky
The St. James Art Fair, hosted in Louisville, Ky, is a nice fall destination for art lovers and people about town. Being one of the largest if not the largest art show in the country, St James invites every kind of artisan to showcase their work the first weekend in October. From unique, recycled crafts and jewelry, to fine arts such as painting, photography, and sculpting, there is something to appeal to everyone’s taste and wallet.
Some of the more notable and inventive art forms this year, were screen sculptures, handbags made from recycled sweaters, and scrimshaw etchings.
These screen sculptures were made from standard household type screen, bent and shaped into wall pieces, such as nude profiles, busts, and landscape scenes. The 3-D screen sculptures included horses, and life sized bulls. This artist’s technique was flawless, and the finished products were quite interesting–especially when considering the level of difficulty and precision involved in creating works such as these.
The recycled sweater handbags were absolutely adorable, functional, and, like the screen sculptures, such a clever idea! The craftsman constructed the handbags with preshrunk wool, and a brightly patterned canvas lining. These handbags were extremely well made, and appeared to be quite durable. With a variety of colors, shapes, and styles, this vendor’s booth was always full of patrons.
One artisan’s booth that I always visit is The Tree of Life Art Works, practitioners of the historical and original American art form of scrimshaw. The subject matter of their work is intriguing and the detail is beautifully intricate, taking you on a journey through the secret dreamscapes of your mind. There is some innately raw and human about carvings on bone that awakens an ancient, dormant place in our being. Tree of Life is quite reasonably priced, considering the creativity, detail, and exquisite composition of each piece.
Some other notable artisans from previous years include:
Maia Leisz, extraordinary landscape painter, akin to Van Gogh.
Shano, beautifully unique handmade jewelry.
Bonds Jewels, one of a kind wearable art.
Ultimately, when people visit art shows, they are looking for something unique and one of a kind–just like them! For fellow artisans, visiting a huge art show like St James, is an endless source of inspiration, as well as a fantastic opportunity to share ideas and learn new techniques. People from all over the U.S. look forward to attending the St. James Art Fair every year to scoop up the latest finds, scout the newest undiscovered talent, and enjoy the gorgeous Kentucky fall weather! If you have never been to St James, but are excited to check it out next year, it is always the first full weekend in October. We look forward to seeing you next year, and offering the best of the art world.
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Images from the St. James Art fair 2011
