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Originally published in 1974, this book shares some of the folk art that began to emerge in the sixties, mostly in the San Francisco area. The author discovered her need to create using the embroidery of earlier generations and transformed the technique to represent the ideals and fashion of the counterculture that was prevalent during the period. The book consists of photographs of various artists and their works with commentary. The photos and the art itself are beautiful depictions of what the folk artists of the time were producing. Numerous mediums, such as embroidery, wood carving, and patchwork, are depicted in the book. Also included is a list of artists presented and information concerning stores and boutiques which emerged during that time, some still offering similar folk art.
This book has lost none of its original charm and is a beautiful testament to the spirit and enduring nature of the art movement birthed by the artists of the Bay area during the period. The representative pieces are breathtaking. Hart’s desire to share and promote this work is evident, as is her hope to capture the imaginations of younger generations. She writes with clarity and honesty as she explains the spiritual and egalitarian nature of this folk art. Readers will likely feel transported to a magical time in which a common goal of peace, love, and understanding felt as if it were within reach. The work lives on both as a showcase of museum pieces and as motivation for others to pick up the craft today. It is a fascinating look at the past and offers hope for the future, which is sure to inspire those who peruse its contents.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review