What is folk art? Do I have to look a certain way to be taken seriously?

Question: What is folk art!? Do I have to look a certain way to be taken seriously!?

I know that a lot of folk artist are from hick towns and some are even mentally slow!. Do you think I would have to look a certain way to excell in the folk art world!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

No!. All different people can produce art!. Folk artist are people who weren't trained professionally!. They intuitively produce woks of art!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Definition:
Folk art is the work of a particular, identifiable region or community; it uses and follows the traditions and materials found in those regions!. Folk art tends to involve things like pottery, woodworking, and fabric work (like weaving) and are all organic products that usually meets the needs of the people in those communities!. Folk art also tends to be applied art - artistic objects which also have some practical use!. Examples of folk art are: Amish quilts--their designs and method of quilting is only found among the Amish in Pennsylvania!. Another example: native american baskets--they are prized for their weaving; another is western styles of fabrics and weaves, like those of New Mexico; all these mirror the style and traditions of these very independent communities--that is what we call folk art!.

Now as to needing to look a certain way to be taken seriously-- not really, unless you wear offensive clothing or approach people with offensive language; you don't need to worry about your own personal look because your art speaks louder than your looks!. Just present your art with confidence because you love what you do and believe in your work!.
Best to you!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Maybe this will help out a little:
http://en!.wikipedia!.org/wiki/Folk_art

When I hear of folk art, I think of "American Gothic" by Grant Wood, however I guess that's wrong isnt' it lol!.Www@QuestionHome@Com