Sunburst Barn Hex Folk Art

by Hanne Lore Koehler

Title

Sunburst Barn Hex Folk Art

Artist

Hanne Lore Koehler

Medium

Painting - Acrylic + Digital

Description

In the 1980's, my dad, Otto Werner (1923 - 1991) was commissioned to design and paint a series of 24 panels to be mounted as part of the Waterloo Ontario Heritage TIME TELLER GAZEBO that illustrated some of the Pennsylvania Dutch Hex designs featured on many of the old Mennonite barns in Waterloo County. Each of these unique hex designs was incorporated into the gazebo design directly under the eaves.

Shown here is the sunburst, star and tulip design enclosed in a strong family circle.The star was a symbol of good will to all in Mennonite culture and tulips symbolized faith and hope. I have added some barn wood texture to this design. Reproduction canvas, acrylic and art prints will make an excellent addition to your country or contemporary kitchen decor! Add warmth and that homey feeling to your cafe, deli or restaurant with a collection of these favorite folk art designs!

An important part in the culture and traditions of the German settlers that created their new home in America and Canada in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were the folk art style designs referred to as hex signs. The Pennsylvania Dutch decorated their farmhouses inside and out with these hand-painted geometric designs, painting them on many household items, above doorways and on their barns. The elements that make up the designs all had special meanings from the individual colors and patterns to the birds or "Distelfinks", hearts, leaves and stars. It was their belief that these designs would bring blessings and good fortune to the home and family in the form of good luck, fertility, love, happiness, good health and many other desirable wishes. Today Dutch Hex Signs are enjoyed by people around the world who hang them on their sheds, homes, barns and garages, above doorways, in workshops, and many other locations.

Thank you to the hosts of the following groups for the honor of featuring this painting! I appreciate your kind support and promotion!

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January 4th, 2020

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