Are you searching for a unique piece of art to give as a gift or accent your garden? Garden art should be more than a reflection of individual personality or simply add uniqueness to a space. It should make a ‘greening’ statement: be eco-chic, a statement of how you feel about the environment, itself.
Eco-chic garden art is a result of applying the ‘R’ strategy: recycle, reuse or refurbish. While there is the alternative of visiting a local flea market where aged items can be purchased; another option, especially for those who feel they are less creative, is to solicit pieces of visual folk art designed by well-known artists.
For central Virginia, artist Matt Cross located in Old Church is recognized for his ability to create eco-chic treasures from “another man’s trash.” All of Matt’s creations are made from found or recycled objects and material, which together with a hand-painted finish, add whimsy and make each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Matt’s style referred to as Self-taught Art or Outsider Art, includes paintings, sculptures as well as carvings that creatively represent a sense of environmental stewardship.
At one time, this form of art was kept out of the main-stream art community but presently, is recognized as one of the more important visual art cultures that America has produced. Still, visual folk art, typically produced in the South, should not be confused with country crafts, duck decoys or split-cane baskets. It is a highly personal, or as in Matt’s case representative of his stewardship commitment, form of art. In general, it is produced by untrained people who draw on their cultural experiences and a true, untutored, creative passion.
In addition to identifying specific artists, visit a gallery or garden shop that specializes in eco-chic garden art. For example, located at the cross roads of Hungry and old Stapes Mill Roads in Laurel Historic District, for the Greater Richmond Area (GRA) Laurel Gallery’s ‘outdoor gallery’ is an excellent choice. This gallery features American-made art for your yard. Emphasizing ‘buy-local’, the site is a quaint blend of 19th century historical and 21st century art.
While Matt's art is available in galleries and shops in Virginia, North Carolina and Vermont, if possible, schedule a visit to his studio located in Old Church. For details of Matt’s folk art, call him 804-779-2502. Or, stop by a gallery that specializes in eco garden art. Acquire an understanding why artists and writers alike chose such sites to display their American-made works of art.
When searching for a special piece of art, why not select a piece that not only makes you smile but is a ‘greening’ statement? As gardeners, we not only have opportunities to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others to create an eco-legacy of healthy green space, both rural and urban – as Matt says, “make a statement that represents how we feel about the environment, itself.” To identify additional eco tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop.
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