Feb 10, 2005

Wooden Weather Vanes – Fine Examples Of Folk Art

The addition of wooden weather vanes to any home, or business, is a creative way of adding some charm, or displaying a visual message for the public. Their origins are practical, but these sculptures have transcended their basic task of telling us which way the wind is blowing, only to become precious works of art.

Many of the weather vanes being designed today are made with different types of metals; however, there are still those manufacturers who specialize in making wood weather vanes. One of the more common styles of weather vanes is the copper animal silhouette. However, experimenting with different types of materials and design ideas, carpenters and coppersmiths have been able to transform any piece of wood or metal into your favorite design.

Originally, many of the more simple designs were whittled from wood and then painted, but they succumbed to the environmental elements and few have survived. However, the precision hand making skill that goes into producing a wooden wind instrument is what makes it a highly prized and valuable item by many collectors today. Fortunately, for those who prefer the wooden vanes, technology and science have enabled better finishes to be produced, thus making wooden vanes more durable and able to withstand the outdoor elements.

American Folk Art Origins – Weather Vanes Are Fine Examples

Weather vanes can be made using a variety of different techniques, however, one of the more difficult and highly prized methods is that used in the very beginning by coppersmiths, blacksmiths, tinsmiths and carpenters.

The “repousse” method is the most difficult process, yet the most valuable. It involves free-forming design and produces highly unique, meticulous, and finely crafted weather vanes. Many weather vane makers continue to use this process today and this often what makes certain weather vanes more expensive than one would think.

While the origin of the weather vane is a practical one (tell the direction of the wind), art historians have come to agree that weathervanes are a classic form of American folk art and many collectors have begun adding prized weather vanes to their portfolio for years.

These charming and useful sculptures not only serve the purpose they were initially intended for, but act today as pieces of art for a mantle, wall bracket, or console table. Many are individualized and numbered, some are three-dimensional, but no matter what their purpose is for you, you can be assured that you’re getting not only a piece of art work, but a piece of history as well.

About The Author:
Angela Lanci Zaurrini is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. She is a young and yet experienced educator who earned her B.A. and teaching certification through Simon Fraser University, Canada. She continues her passion of sharing knowledge through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Angela Lanci Zaurrini
http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com