Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden
circa 1995
Howard Finster's Paradise Garden - typical hot, humid day in north Georgia-
Ektachrome - Finster was still alive and would let visitors wander around the expansive yard of his former house at no charge; he would sell his art pieces to those interested. While his mix of folk art and religion did not appeal to everyone, he acquired a following over the years (thanks in part to R.E.M. and Talking Heads using his art for their album covers). Still, Finster’s garden wasn’t what you would find on Georgia tourist brochures at that time. But I was intrigued by this #outsiderart.
I was given handwritten directions to his place. I stopped at a downtown Summerhill store to double check directions. There were no signs to his place. The entrance was a modest house and front porch. Inside Finster’s “garden” was a sprawling yard (likely several backyards) where Howard Finster worked on and displayed his art with spiritual quotes, religious advice and ordinary objects. Some I talked with loved their visit; others thought it was an overground junk yard. In addition to documenting the grounds, I also took a few self-portraits.
Howard Finster held court in the house as I left, evangelizing to the visitors. Some stayed and listened to his words. I didn’t stay as I was drenched in Georgia humidity and had a 2 hour drive home, but I purchased one of his art pieces (which I still have) on my exit. Elizabeth bought a second Finster piece for me for our first Christmas gift exchange in 1998. I visited Paradise Garden a couple more times, but things do change.
Sadly, the innocence of Howard Finster’s garden wouldn’t last as pieces were sold off to museums and collectors. The garden entrance changed and charged admission to tour the place. Perhaps something growing organically might spiral itself into mismanagement. I don’t know. If those moves kept his art and livelihood going that’s fine but it’s an example of something organic which grew by word of mouth, only later to become more regulated.
Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden
circa 1995
Howard Finster's Paradise Garden - typical hot, humid day in north Georgia-
Ektachrome - Finster was still alive and would let visitors wander around the expansive yard of his former house at no charge; he would sell his art pieces to those interested. While his mix of folk art and religion did not appeal to everyone, he acquired a following over the years (thanks in part to R.E.M. and Talking Heads using his art for their album covers). Still, Finster’s garden wasn’t what you would find on Georgia tourist brochures at that time. But I was intrigued by this #outsiderart.
I was given handwritten directions to his place. I stopped at a downtown Summerhill store to double check directions. There were no signs to his place. The entrance was a modest house and front porch. Inside Finster’s “garden” was a sprawling yard (likely several backyards) where Howard Finster worked on and displayed his art with spiritual quotes, religious advice and ordinary objects. Some I talked with loved their visit; others thought it was an overground junk yard. In addition to documenting the grounds, I also took a few self-portraits.
Howard Finster held court in the house as I left, evangelizing to the visitors. Some stayed and listened to his words. I didn’t stay as I was drenched in Georgia humidity and had a 2 hour drive home, but I purchased one of his art pieces (which I still have) on my exit. Elizabeth bought a second Finster piece for me for our first Christmas gift exchange in 1998. I visited Paradise Garden a couple more times, but things do change.
Sadly, the innocence of Howard Finster’s garden wouldn’t last as pieces were sold off to museums and collectors. The garden entrance changed and charged admission to tour the place. Perhaps something growing organically might spiral itself into mismanagement. I don’t know. If those moves kept his art and livelihood going that’s fine but it’s an example of something organic which grew by word of mouth, only later to become more regulated.