Investing in Folk Art
Within the past 20 or so years, American Folk Art has come of age. Collectors are now approaching folk art in the same manner they approach fine art, and the value of quality pieces from talented artists can be expected to appreciate in value. In choosing folk art as an investment vehicle, astute collectors look for uniqueness, individual creativity, and of course craftsmanship. They seek out artists that stand apart from their contemporaries via their individuality, and it is this independence that often results in the creation of whimsical, one-of-a-kind items of art so valued by the well-informed collector. It may seem that this is asking too much of a jug molded of clay, yet it is precisely such items, created by self taught artists that attract today's collectors. Artists who are driven, not by dreams of fame, but who create their art as a livelihood or to supplement their income, while at the same time providing a creative outlet for their inners-selves.
William Flowers and the folk art pottery he creates, certainly fits the criterion cited above. A self taught artist from the mountains of rural Western North Carolina, Bill has honed his skill to the point that his work has been on exhibit at the Smithsonian for the past 10 years, and he has been proclaimed by some, as the most creative potter in America . The William Flowers face jugs that are sold exclusively by Rita's Relics is a great example of Bills creativity and versatility. To our knowledge, Bill is the first folk artists to deviate from the typical ugly face jug, to jugs featuring images of politicians, animals, fictional characters and icons such as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam. He is able to achieve an even greater realism in his face jugs by the use of different colored glazes; a process not frequently used by other artists, because of the time and skill required for the multiple firings necessary because of the different glazes. Bill's work can also be distinguished by the witticism, pointed remarks, and words of wisdom he often inscribes on his face jugs.
Bill's wife Jo often collaborates with him in producing caricature jugs and when she does, the jug is signed “Bill & Joe Flowers.” Bill and Jo are guided by specific images in creating their face jugs, and while certain character names on the jugs might be repeated, no two jugs are exactly alike. Each jug is hand crafted and individually hand painted, glazed, and fired. The jugs may also differ by the artist's having embellishing them with hats or cigars, or possible with facial adornments such as eyeglasses, or earrings. The artists will also change the facial expressions on the same named character jug from happy, to anxious, to frustrated, to horrified, to innocent, to perplexed, and so forth, making each jug a unique piece of art. Each of the Flower's face jugs are signed and numbered. While hindsight is always clearer than predicting the future, we at Rita's Relics truly believe, that although Bill & Jo Flowers do not seek fame in the art world, it is only a matter of time before the art world seeks them out and the simple clay face jugs they now create, are recognized as highly valued and treasured works of art. |
