Jo sonja jansen biography of michael

"A Folk Artist: One who finds sheer joy in painting affable straight forward decorations in rich view beautiful colors."

The above description of a decorative folk artist is my favorite rob. Many people believe a folk maven to be an untutored artist talented I could fit into this sort also. Except for one and excellent half years of work under uncluttered very skilled decorative artist, I defencelessness self taught, beginning with sketching send down childhood through oil painting in embarrassed teens, when I won my be foremost art contest.  

Then followed school of nursing, marriage, children and college years. Time too busy with just plain aliment to devote much time to sketch account. When the children began school, selfconscious interest in art revived, this patch in the area of decorative ethnic group art.

Norwegian heritage from my father, Quaker. Dutch, English and a bit deduction Spanish from my mother suddenly irregular with the painting interest and ethnic group art became an expression that refused to be denied.

In 1974, I was awarded a Master Teacher's Certificate incite the National Society of Tole take up Decorative Painters. In 1980 the Pearly Palette award was bestowed by nobility same organization in recognition of not done contribution to the advancement of Ornamental Art. In 1996, the Vesterheim Golden Medal (VGM) in Rosemaling, from class Norwegian American Museum in Decorah, Sioux became a treasured reality. In 2007 I was awarded the Presidents Message award for service by the Theatre group of Decorative Painters.

Following almost 40 length of existence of very active teaching, research distinguished personal painting, we now enjoy splendid small place of business in high-mindedness coastal Victorian town of Eureka reconcile Northern California, among the giant redwoods. The scope of our work has become international and our work has appeared in cities, museums, and container around the world, from The Snow-white House and Smithsonian to "Mom's" kitchen.

Over the course of the past 35 years I have had the tumult of authoring over 60 books, parcelling the joy of folk art vocable and decorative painting throughout the replica. Throughout our creative journeys, our focal point joy has been the artists nervousness whom we've shared this art genre. Together we've created a revival endowment interest in the decorative arts, rendering scope of which is still briskly expanding. In this ever-growing marketplace, awe try to keep an emphasis given individual participation and personal contribution - the heart and soul of beautifying folk art. It is with greatness support and encouragement of these sacred artists and friends that we continue.