Food Feature: Mission from God

Now 84 years old, Howard Finster had his first vision at age 3. At 16, he was called to preach. And in 1976, he heard a voice that told him to paint sacred art. Finster is no ordinary folk artist; he believes his entire life’s work has been a mission from God.

“I am not here to push something on you. I am not here to take something away from you,” wrote Finster. “I am not here to establish a new kind of religion, but I am here to tell you I have visions of the other world. ...”

Finster’s visionary artwork has reached acclaim around the world. His work — sculptures made from found objects and paintings — has been exhibited at the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian. He’s been on the front page of the Wall Street Journal and featured in Time and Southern Living magazines, to name just a few. Coca-Cola commissioned Finster to paint an 8-foot Coke bottle for the 1996 Olympics. The band Talking Heads won Album Cover of the Year in Rolling Stone magazine in 1985 with cover art by Finster. He also did an album cover for R.E.M., and the band filmed the video for “Radio Free Europe” in Paradise Garden, Finster’s outdoor gallery in Summerville, Ga.

The High Museum of Art counts among its permanent collection some of Finster’s best work, including more than 100 objects that run the gamut from large-scale sculptures to sections of sidewalk from Paradise Garden. While the High is to be lauded for preserving Finster’s works and protecting them from the elements, to truly understand this artist is not to see his works in a museum but in their natural environment at Paradise Garden, which is open to visitors and hosts the annual Howard Finster Fest May 19-20.

A journey to Paradise Garden, located about an hour north of Atlanta off U.S. 27 in Summerville, is truly a unique experience. Although a lot of Finster’s work has been relocated to the High Museum, you can still wander through the two-acre garden and see why the grounds have been proclaimed one of Georgia’s top 10 tourist attractions. But don’t expect it to be a “paradise” or lush “garden,” at least not in the literal sense.

The garden is full of quirky relics, sculptures and buildings. Bible scripture and Finster’s own moral teachings greet you at every turn. Many are religious, some are humorous, some are poetic and some provide practical advice. For instance, a wrecked car is covered in quotes: “This happens to drunk drivers.” “Whiskey turns to blood.” “Before driving check under the hood and fenders for time bombs.” “I heard the wreck on the highway, but I didn’t hear anybody pray.” “Keep a tool kit in your car, take no chances while driving.”

Other artists’ works also are featured throughout the garden and many leave graffiti-like messages for Finster. Mirando Stone from Toronto, Canada, wrote: “Thank you Mr. Finster. My heart is glad to meet another brother who loves Jesus. Peace to you.”

Finster’s health is declining, but he still does two to three paintings a week and he’s at the garden every Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. to talk with visitors. Guests can even stay at the primitive Little Paradise Cottage on the grounds for $60 a night.

An undeniably unique character, Finster describes the garden as a “Garden of education, Garden of mysteries ... Garden of warning, Garden of life. This Garden is for you. This Garden leads people to God. This Garden has friends. People hold meetings in this Garden. People make movies in this Garden. God gave me power greater than myself.”

The annual Howard Finster Fest is held at Paradise Garden May 19-20 and features works by more than 100 folk artists from across the country. Paradise Garden is located about one hour north of Atlanta off U.S. 27 in Summerville. 800-FINSTER or 706-857-2926 or visit www.finster.com.??