Howard Finster (AL/GA, 1916-2001), Mixed Media Self-Portrait

Polychrome painted wood cutouts and glass panels with applied acrylic beads and pearls throughout, 1984, the wood frame with stamped leaf pattern, central figure's hat reads "Believe me / I came from God" with additional musings throughout, signed and dated to lower left and additionally to verso at upper frame edge, under glass with glass panel backing.

30 3/4 x 24 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.

Private Collection, Chicago and North Carolina

One of America’s most recognized outsider artists, Finster was a preacher for 45 years until 1976, when he experienced a vision and afterward began painting, in bright colors, religious art as well as everyday objects such as Coke bottles. The Rev. Howard Finster was born Dec. 2, 1916, in Valley Head, Alabama, and died Oct. 22, 2001, in Summerville, GA. He worked up album covers for R.E.M., Talking Heads and other bands, appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and welcomed a steady stream of people (from regular folks to the famous, such as artist Keith Haring) who made the pilgrimage to his roadside attraction/folk art environment, Paradise Garden.

Scattered areas of loss to beadwork and old adhesive residue to exterior.

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