Howard Finster Quotes

Powerful Howard Finster for Daily Growth

About Howard Finster

Howard Finster (1916-2001) was an American folk artist, self-taught visionary, and evangelist who achieved worldwide recognition in the latter part of his life. Born on Christmas Day in 1916 in Valley Head, Alabama, Finster grew up in a deeply religious family and as a child experienced visions and heard voices that would later inspire his art. Finster's artistic career began after a vision in 1940, in which God instructed him to paint sacred pictures. He started creating visual artworks while working as a sign painter for a local store. In the early 1960s, Finster's work gained attention when he painted a mural on the Phoebe Putney Hospital in Albany, Georgia. One of Finster's most significant works is the "Environs of Paradise," an immense outdoor sculpture and painting installation created between 1976 and 2001 in his home and studio in Summerville, Georgia. The artwork covers approximately three acres, making it one of the largest visionary environments in the world. In addition to his visual art, Finster was a prolific writer and poet. He published over 50 books, including "The Language of God Has Come Upon Me," which documents his visions and religious experiences. His writings often merged spirituality, pop culture, and American history in unique and imaginative ways. Finster's work gained wider recognition when he met folk artist and fellow visionary Martin Mull in 1976. Mull introduced Finster to the music industry, leading to collaborations with musicians such as R.E.M., The Talking Heads, and others. In 1980, he created the world's largest painting, titled "The Great God of America," for the Atlanta Rhythm Section's album cover. Howard Finster's life and work continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike, as his unique visionary art and spiritual philosophy have left a lasting impact on American culture.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am an artist, and I have a message from God for the people."

This quote suggests that the artist, Howard Finster, viewed his art not just as personal expression or aesthetic creation, but as a means of communicating a divine message. He saw himself as a conduit through which God could speak to humanity, using his artistic talent as a vehicle for spiritual communication. The idea is that art, in this case, has a higher purpose beyond mere entertainment or beauty; it serves as a bridge between the human and divine realm.

"Everything hidden will be revealed."

This quote by Howard Finster implies that all secrets, hidden truths, or concealed information will eventually come to light. It suggests a belief in transparency and justice, where everything kept in the dark will be exposed and understood in due time. The quote can serve as a reminder for individuals and societies alike to strive for honesty and integrity, knowing that deception cannot remain hidden forever.

"Art is a way of making your soul grow."

This quote suggests that the act of creating art has a transformative effect on an individual, fostering personal growth and development. By engaging in artistic expression, one can cultivate their inner being, deepen self-awareness, and ultimately grow spiritually or psychologically. The artistic process provides an opportunity for introspection, exploration, and healing, encouraging personal transformation and enlightenment.

"I've done one thing in my life, and that's listen to what God has said to me."

This quote by Howard Finster emphasizes his strong faith and belief in divine guidance. He suggests that throughout his life, he prioritized listening to the divine messages or instructions he received, implying a lifestyle deeply rooted in spirituality and obedience to his perceived divine will.

"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it isn't open." - Often misattributed to Finster, but not an original quote.

This quote emphasizes the importance of an open and receptive mindset for personal growth and understanding. Just as a parachute requires opening to function effectively, so too does the human mind need to be open to new ideas, experiences, and perspectives in order to fully operate and navigate life's challenges and opportunities. Keeping an open mind promotes learning, empathy, and adaptability, allowing us to evolve and flourish in our ever-changing world.

I had a call to the University of Miami where I'd run a revival in 1950.

- Howard Finster

Miami, University, Call, Revival

I never did buy things on credit, I always paid for 'em, because I can't see much difference in paying for something and just waiting a week and pay interest on it; that looks foolish to me.

- Howard Finster

Waiting, Week, Always, Foolish

When I'm makin' lectures to these universities, I tell 'em I like that little building because when I run short a audience, if I can get three people in there I've got a good crowd.

- Howard Finster

Run, Crowd, Tell, Lectures

My work begun to spread out. And calls to the universities begun to take me out of my garden, you know.

- Howard Finster

Take, Universities, Calls, Garden

I came here as a man of visions. I was sent here as a man of visions, like a second Noah. I'm not a Noah but I'm here as a second Noah. I'm here as a red light is in the street.

- Howard Finster

Here, Like, Sent, Visions

When I'm building my dome in my chapel, and I had a vision - I've worked on perpetual motion and I haven't never give it up yet. I still think it could be done, perpetual motion. I had a vision of a un resist able windmill.

- Howard Finster

Had, Dome, Perpetual, Windmill

Well, as far as I'm concerned, I'm not here to live a normal life. I'm sent here on a mission.

- Howard Finster

Mission, Normal, Here, As Far As

Sometimes I don't even pull my shoes off for six weeks at a time, except, you know, just to take a shower. I just take breaks between 24 hours a day, just a break now and then, it don't take me long to rest; maybe 20 to30 minutes sometime, or maybe an hour.

- Howard Finster

Shower, Sometime, Weeks, 24 Hours

You can't smear acrylics, you know, it dries too fast.

- Howard Finster

Fast, Know, Too, Smear

But, when I had this feeling and started painting sacred art, as I had this feeling to do, then it come to me: my problem is I'll get a lot of criticism and another problem is my work's not good enough to sell.

- Howard Finster

Work, Art, Not Good Enough, Criticism

Every time that we've ever fought, we fought to keep from bein' destroyed. We've never started a war.

- Howard Finster

War, Started, Fought, Destroyed

As for me, I'm just passin' through this planet.

- Howard Finster

Me, Through, Just, Planet

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