I knew a little bit about Howard Finster before seeing this display. This maybe the first time I had seen any of his art outside a book or the internet. I became familiar with him and his work from one of my old bosses. I suppose he was as much a friend too. Anyway my boss was a big fan of Finster. He visited his Paradise Garden during the time I was working for him. He was blessed to meet with Mr. Finster. MI remember my boss was very excited about the experience, and told me all about it. He may have brought back some small piece of art that he may have shown me. This memory is from around 30 years ago, as I write this, so I can’t say one way or another what actually was said and done during that discussion. What I can say is it was my introduction to the genius of Howard Finster, for which I’m gratefully blessed.
Howard J. Finster’s work is also enshrined in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. He was a pretty great artist, and fairly contemporary. His art is in my opinion is Olde Tymey Americana style. That’s not a real thing. I just made it up. It’s my best short description of his style. He was a preacher and most of his work focuses on the work of God, good and evil, peace and Hell. Most of his work, or a lot at least, has has written things directly from the Bible and his own interpretations. I’m far from an authority thought. Just posting my observations.
Sadly Howard Finster has passed. He leaves behind a great legacy of art. He created an artistic landscape out of his Georgia home, Paradise Gardens. You can see and learn more from the Paradise Garden Foundation Instagram page. Hopefully the foundation will be able to keep it for a long time to come for the enjoyment and education of all.
This is my humble dedication to my appreciation of this great man.
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