Brown, Lovisa

Abstract

This collection contains audio recordings conducted for the AFAM Oral History Project. This project is onoing and new recordings will be available for request and research on an onging basis.

Scope and Contents

In this interview, art historian Barbara Holdridge discusses her journey unearthing and identifying the itinerant portrait painter Ammi Phillips. Holdridge shares the discovery process of connecting the “clues” of Phillips’s signature style, which include ham hands, swirling skirts and hook noses. She also discusses her friendship and collaboration with Mary Black (historian and former Curator at the American Folk Art Museum) in her process of legitimizing Phillips’s artwork.

Scope and Contents Carolyn Malzoomi is a scholar, author, curator, quilter and founder of The Women of Color Quilters Network. In the interview, Mazloomi discusses the origins of the Network as a forum for African American quilters to learn the historical significance of African American quiltmaking and develop as working artists. Throughout the interview she speaks about the process of designing and creating her quilts, the significance of using cotton in her work, and the challenges she faces when making...

Scope and Contents This interview touches upon Dr. Henry Glassie’s definition of folk art, as well as how his interest in the subject began. Glassie discusses his humanistic approach to his scholarship, specifically his methodology of listening and conducting interviews with artists in the field to understand the technical procedures and vocabulary inherent to their art-making. Throughout the interview Glassie distinguishes between artists and art makers in the USA versus the rest of the world. He also...

Scope and Contents Julie Deeds Phillips is the niece of artist Edward Deeds Jr. Deeds was institutionalized as a teenager due to behavioral issues and after a suicide attempt. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia. He spent thirty-seven years in the state psychiatric hospital. While Deeds was in the institution he began drawing. Phillips only met her uncle once in her life, and as a result most of this interview contains her account of stories she heard from other individuals in her family. Phillips...

Scope and Contents

In this interview, the owners of Cavin-Morris Gallery, Shari Cavin and Randall Morris, discuss their distinct approach and contribution to the field of Folk Art. They touch upon their definition of Folk Art, the importance of cultural context, and their goal of redefining the canon.They also discuss the life and work of artists Bessie Harvey and David Butler.

Summary written by Maylyn Iglesias, AFAM Archives Intern