STEVE HAZLETT

Weathervanes, whirligigs and trade signs are as varied as the subject matter they represent. One hundred plus year old heart pine salvaged from out buildings and barns built during the 19th century from the upstate New York area are used in creating my work. I also incorporate antique copper, tin and iron into my work. I use chisels, draw knives, handsaws and carving knives to handcraft my pieces. Buttermilk paint, which was widely used in early America after 1800, is the most accurate historical choice for completing my objects. The rural folk artist would craft paint from various milk derivatives and a combination of earthen ingredients resulting in paint adaptable to use on their handcrafted weathervanes, whirligigs and trade signs. In my painting style, I try to reproduce an as-found original interpretation of the object by applying the buttermilk paint in numerous layers and then using techniques to age the finish and cause discoloration, yellowing and the accumulation of surface dirt and embedded grime on the object. I use buttermilk paints crafted for reproduction of original colors for painted folk art objects.



My objects are somewhat primitive and crude in appearance resembling pieces from long ago. I try to create an object handcrafted in the 19th century style as from rural folk artists by using my own personal interpretation of the original object based on historical information. My handling of the materials is somewhat crude and primitive lacking defined detail. But in my work, I try to visually project a sense of humor or statement depending on the piece and subject matter at hand. Folk art in its truest sense is an expression of the common people depicting their life and beliefs. Folk art is never the product of art movements but comes out of craft traditions. I want to carry on this folk craft tradition and present my work much like these artists did from the past.

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