I am working on a commissioned painting with text this week. I wanted to take a look at the text style and size of some of my older works. These are no longer in my possession so I have to rely on my photos. (photos by Dok Wright)
The Federal Art Project (FAP) was the visual arts arm of the Great Depression-era New Deal Works Progress Administration Federal One program in the United States. The program operated from August 29, 1935 through June 30, 1943.
“Folk art expert Holger Cahill, who managed this large program, believed it could demonstrate the government’s commitment to the art community, give artists a sense of participation in American life, and provide the public a stake in American art.”
http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/F/FE001.html
This series I created as homage to the art created during the WPA (Works Progress Administration) under the the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. I love the messaging and graphic nature of the art created during that time. Can you imagine any modern administration thinking that getting artists to work would be good for our nation’s legacy and to exhibit our government’s commitment to art. Thanks FDR, you truly were one of a kind.
This series of paintings is owned by John Canning/PCC Physician’s Computer Company in Winooski, Vermont. I hope to sell another whole series another time in my life, it was utterly thrilling. Thank you John.
I think I need to create a new series based on these posters.
http://vintagraph.com/collections/wpa-posters?page=2 (You can buy amazing Federal Arts Project prints for $15)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Works_Progress_Administration_artists
I’m really drawn to the ‘Gather’ piece.
Love the texture and colouring- very simple and achievable as a transmitted simple message to busy people.
Good luck, it sounds like fun – and plenty of brain work. B
Thanks. I love that I scheduled this post for 7:30 am Eastern Standard Time and I have messages before it even posts here in New England. I need to get lost in a painting right now. I am so grateful to have the commission.
I’ve just been reading about the WPA, after discovering that Alice Neel survived the Depression by being paid to paint. As you say…hard to imagine the present government even considering such a thing. Those are great posters, simple and appealing. The colors add a lot.
It’s so amazing to read about that time for artists. I want to dive deeper into this subject. Thank you for letting me know about Alice Neel—love her work.. I really appreciate it.