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Studio Art
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It's kitsch and trite and the artistry often leaves something to be desired but there is no denying that painting on velvet makes a statement.
Originating
in Persia where it was celebrated with floral and abstract motifs in the
Islamic tradition the process was bought to Europe during the Crusades
where it was used extensively in furnishings, tapestry and the lush fashions
of the times. The Portuguese were responsible for introducing it to China
in the 1500's and from there it spread to Japan. In the 19th century it
was known as "oriental" or "Theorum" painting and was considered a suitable
pastime for the demure ladies of genteel society who specialized in landscapes
and still life subjects such as bowls of fruit.
Today there are three main schools of velvet painting:
In Montana and Idaho Western scenes on orange and green velvet are common.
Virginia is known for its sailing ships in the mist whereas Appalachia
tends towards the slightly bizarre with skeletons carrying pistols!
The European School tends to the fine art end of the spectrum. The works
are painted on colored polyester or plush rayon velvet and the most common
themes are cute kittens and unicorns. Because they take themselves so
seriously these pictures lack the quirky charm or the other better-known
works from the Americas.
This is where "Frontera" artists celebrate the tacky and trite before
unleashing the finished products on an unsuspecting world. A patron who
signs his name to the finished work runs painting factories where artists
collaborate on a single work with paintings completed in only thirty minutes.
These are then exported to the US where they are peddled from town to
town, sold in gas stations only to later finish up in garage sales and
thrift stores. Favorite themes of the Frontera artists are nudes, religious
icons, legends such as that of the Aztec warrior Ixtaccihuatl and the
maiden Popocatepetl and of course Elvis.
Today although antique velvet paintings are collected and treasured contemporary
works are still despised as their poor relation. Relegated to the field
of "folk" rather than "fine" art these icons of primitive culture have
assumed the status that ABBA records once held in the 1980s and early
90s; you enjoyed them but didn't like to let anyone know that you did.
Hopefully since the 19th century theorum works have now earned a place
of respect within the art world it won't be too long before Elvis in Velvet
is recognised as a valid part of our folk culture. Although velvet painting
may not be up there with Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" or Van Gogh's "Sunflowers"
and also may not be to everyone's taste they still accomplish something
that many masterpieces cannot: they can make you smile!
©Jen Longshaw 2000-2006 Please do not copy in any manner, print or electronic,
without permission from the author.
New Zealand's Prime Minister A Closet Elvis Fan Edgar Leeteg: Father of Velvet Painting For the latest news and information on the man, his music and his legacy check out Elvis Presley News |
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Elvis
In Velvet
However
it is the images of the 1950s that we mostly remember velvet paintings
for. When Elvis was the King his image was bought in the thousands alone
and although other folk heroes such as Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon
and Jimi Hendrix came along they never quite replaced him. His picture
assumed an almost iconic status, worshiped with the same fervour as that
of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Elvis Aloha, Young Elvis, even Blue Elvis
still gaze down in many living rooms around the world today.
