Barn Hex Star Design
by Hanne Lore Koehler
Title
Barn Hex Star Design
Artist
Hanne Lore Koehler
Medium
Painting - Acrylic + Digital
Description
I have done a little digital refining work and added some barn wood texture to my dad's barn folk art sign to co-ordinate with his other Pennsylvania Dutch hex designs. Hang a few of these Pennsylvania Dutch hex designs in a grouping in your country kitchen or in your contemporary updated space for warmth, color and history! Awesome as a wood print! Wonderful folk art for a European deli or German Cafe!
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.
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 the region. Each of these unique hex designs was incorporated into the gazebo design directly under the eaves. The double Distelfink (bird) hex is a symbol of good luck and family happiness. The tulips are a sign of faith and hope and, of course, the heart is the symbol for love. The star hex is a symbol of good fortune, love, hope, harmony, energy and fertility. The eight-pointed star is a symbol of abundance and good will. Blue is the color of spirituality, peace and protection.
Thank you to the hosts of the following groups for the honor of featuring my dad's hex design. I appreciate your kind support and promotion!
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December 21st, 2019
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Comments (16)
Michael Mazaika
Grew up in eastern PA with these all over the place. Well done, Hanne Lore. Congratulations. - Mike
Donna Kennedy
Beautiful barn hex design Hanne, love the colors, design and wooden texture!!...F/L/T/FB
Hanne Lore Koehler replied:
Thank you so much, Donna! I appreciate your generous comment, support and promotion!
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