howard finster, visionary artist
in my quest for fun and interesting things to do while ryan's parents are visiting next weekend, i have been thinking a visit to howard finster's paradise gardens might be on the agenda.
howard finster was a folk artist who began his career as a bicycle repairman and part time traveling preacher. one day he got some paint on his thumb, which took the form of Jesus and told him to "paint sacred art," in a vision that changed his life forever.
he proceeded to live the life of an amazingly prolific and inspired artist, creating tens of thousands of pieces, and the house he created (paradise gardens) supposedly attracts tons of visitors. i can't wait to see it!
i think it's a bit of a trek out to summerville, ga from atlanta, but well worth it i'm sure.
a couple of fun facts:
finster gained national fame after his collaborative work on the album "reckoning" with athens, georgia-based rock band R.E.M.. the group filmed the video for their debut single "radio free europe" in finster's paradise gardens in 1983!
he also collaborated with the talking heads and created the cover for the album "little creatures", which was selected as cover of the year by rolling stone magazine in 1985.
a few more things made by finster...
2 comments:
What a cool story about that artist. Looks like a neat thing to go see with parents. On a sidenote, my dad's friend actually named the Talking Heads.
So you're headed to Chicago in Oct? Hmm I wish I'd been here longer, I'm not sure what to recommend just yet! the only thing I've done so far that I reallly liked (restaurant-wise) was minnie's on halsted. Everything they have is small, and really delicious. also some good shopping on Halsted and Armitage.
I loved the story, the artist's style & his home! what a home & what a lovelyidea to tuen a wastecan into a piece of art- deadly stuff!!
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