Back to Basics: The Genius of Bill Traylor and Carl Hammer's American Folk Art

Bill Traylor, Spotted Dog, Graphite and Gouache on Paper

We love folk art- the extraordinary work produced from a singular desire to create. Bill Traylor'swork has had a huge impact on our aesthetic for the past 20 years or so. Mr. Traylor's gouaches and drawings have an unmatched graphic elegance. Carl Hammer's collection of folk art is inspiring- a curated collection based on aesthetic impact, not provinance or reputation. Here's a look at some favorites from both:

Carved and painted wood figures, artist unkown, at Carl Hammer

Bill Traylor, graphite on paper

William Dawson, Self Portrait, at Carl Hammer

Untitled Bill Trayor at Claudia Demonte

French Bottle Man, circa 1920s at Carl Hammer

Bill Traylor, Man with Shotgun and Dog via Antiques and the Arts

Pennsylvania Scarecrows, 1960s at Carl Hammer

Pair of Fabric Masks, Late 19th or Early 20th c., at Carl Hammer