Grandma Moses

This book is a beautiful rendering of the seemingly simplistic and enchanting paintings by Grandma Moses. But something seems amiss when one finds that this artist lacked something on the spiritual side; for Kallir mentions something Moses once said: '"Someone has asked me to paint Biblical pictures," she once noted, "and I say no, I'll not paint something that we know nothing about; might just as well paint something that will happen a thousand years hence."' (Kallir 52). Moses' enchanting pictures of everyday life, which become infused with something more than mundanity through such pleasant renderings, somehow seem starker with the knowledge that the artist lacked a faith in seeing something beyond such life scenes by only concentrating on what she considered "the factual and true." Nonetheless, this is one of the best collections of her work, and it is embellished by many quotations by the artist. Moses' late start in the art world is also a testament that it is never too late to attempt lasting convocations of value. It is a pity that the elderly Moses did not believe that such things would last beyond her impending death.

This is a wonderful and beautifully illustrated book filled with Grandma Moses' life and her art work. I ordered it as a classroom aid for a presentation on her life, and I was amazed at how much was compiled in this selection. The biography is very thorough and her colorful landscapes are quite breathtaking. The captions along side her masterpieces give the reader an insight into this great folk artist, as well as critiques the art mediums she used to perfect them. This is a wonderful addition to any art teacher's library, as well as the classroom teacher, who is looking for an artist to help him or her teach the Disciplined Based Art with their students. I also recommend this book if you are having a hard day at the office, and you just want to slip into another more peaceful era. The nostalgia you will feel just looking at this woman's pictures is beyond words. It is also a very challenging book to help you reach for your dreams, no matter what your age is. If she could touch peoples' lives in her 80's, there is hope for everyone!