Howard Finster

And to commence: one of my favorite artists- Howard Finster- Creator extraordinaire.

Ol' Howard was a local Georgian artist who felt called by God to create art. He was a preacher with an amazing spirit that just flat out inspired people. I gather that he was quite eccentric. His art is highly religious in nature, which some find to be endearing, but I am so drawn to it because of the man's passion and creativity. I think people are quite inspired by those who exert so much of themselves into their craft that it becomes genius.  Most people who truly make a mark on the world are the one's that pour so much of themselves into something else. They are passionate...truly selfless. The true artist (which we all have the capacity to be in some form or another) tacks himself (herself) in front of the world to be vulnerable and exposed. I tend to think that is what Rev. Howard was going for...exposure of the passion of the soul. And that, my friends, I find truly Beautiful.

Quote from Howard Finster: "I never met a person I did not love."

I asked myself if I had met a person I did not love.

...yes...duh.

I actually got momentarily cynical and thought, "Who can actually love everyone?"

BUT, I have decided, if we have the power to hate everyone then we have the power to love everyone. It's like a scale. And loving someone is a choice; a choice that can be made about each person we meet. So, I'm trying to take a note from Howard's book. Choose to love people.

Some of Howard's art to leave you with:

Oh! I almost forgot. Go check out http://www.finstersparadisegardens.org . This is an actually garden chock full of Finster's art. It is in Northwest Georgia, and is apparently amazing. I am hoping to go sometime soon so pictures to follow.