FOLK Art was not seen as a fine art form but it does allow its students to express their creativity.
Altona resident Janice Murdoch is an expert in folk art and has held classes at the Joan Kirner House in Williamstown for the last 12 years.
Mrs Murdoch said folk art is, as the name suggests, the art of the folk, and can be taught to anyone. This makes it an art form easily accessible to any budding artist or professional.
“People didn’t have to have artistic ability in drawing. People could trace patterns and use stroke work to produce colourful art work,” Mrs Murdoch said. “Some produce very professional art work.”
Mrs Murdoch said originally folk art was reserved for uneducated people but today many of its techniques are used in fine art.
“We paint with acrylic paint because of ease of application in a class situation,” she said.
“Students find something they want to paint, come into class and go from there. If they can’t sketch the idea I sketch it onto canvass and show them how to paint.”
Mrs Murdoch said the camaraderie of the class adds to the fun atmosphere of every lesson.
“Some of the students have been there 10 years and have formed friendships, it’s the social side of it for a lot of them and they are a very friendly group.”
“It’s a combination of wanting to express whatever artistic talent they’ve got. It’s a form of therapy for some people.”
Folk art classes are held twice a week on Monday evenings and Thursday mornings. For more information contact 9397 6168.
