Contemporary Folk Artist(MARCIA)

The Contemporary Folk Artist: Sarah Rakes Vibrant colors, homages to nature, and the essence of rural settings. That is only one of the many ways Sarah Rakes striking paintings can be described. As a self-taught artist, Rakes' first brush with art was at the tender age of nine when a traveling museum was sent to underprivileged areas of Arkansas by the Rockefeller Foundation. The experience of seeing the art displayed in that museum sparked a passion in her that spread like wildfire. It ignited the artistic vision of Sarah Rakes. Her art then filled her bedroom walls and the bottoms of drawers. Art became more than just a creative outlet for her. It was an escape from her difficult home life and her struggle to learn in school, shaping her journey profoundly.

In 1976, she set out for New York, where she had heard many artists lived with the old car she bought after doing several odd jobs. However, the car broke down in North Georgia, and she took a job there as a waitress. The Universe plays funny games, after all. One week later, she met her future husband, Mike. A year later, they were married, and began their life together of managing a home and rearing three children. She then turned her attention toward gardening and grew much of the food her family consumed. In 1986, with her family s support, Rakes finally returned to dedicating her days and many nights to making art. Despite having no formal training or art background, Rake s paintings reflected the true capabilities of a self-taught artist unconventional approach and inventive styles. Rakes' artistic pursuit soon became a means of income when her paintings began to be exhibited in regional galleries. It did not take long for her art to be sought after by collectors throughout the United Nations and even Europe. Rakes never turned back after this. Today, Sarah Rakes is considered a contemporary folk artist. Her art is deeply rooted in her rural upbringing, drawing inspiration from the natural world around her. It portrays her deep connection with nature and love for animals. Pieces like "The Sunbather" are filled with vibrant shades of yellow and violet, with green and brown complementing the combination. The painting depicts a feline creature, probably in the wildlife baking under the bright golden sun. The sun seems to steal the spotlight, the brightest object in the picture. The wild feline is painted in deep yellow, with black lines and dots, possibly representing a leopard or a tiger. Four visible birds are painted, flying away in four directions above the feline.

Rakes is known for her bold and intense use of colors and intricate patterns, framed in handmade frames that she paints for each work. She is considered one of the rare "contemporary folk artists " still alive today. Her love for intricate patterns, and bold shapes reflect the themes of her paintings. Sarah Rakes continues to inspire many other self-taught artists with her paintings. These are artists who have no background or formal training in art. She shows the world that one does not need to have any formal training in art to become an artist. Contact us: Website- https://marciaweberartobjects.com/ Phone no- 334.220.5349 Email- marcia@marciaweberartobjects.com

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