Episode 335 - MOSES BLOOMS LATE

Episode 335 - MOSES BLOOMS LATE

In this compelling episode of "The Thick and Mystic Moment," host Robert John Hadfield tells the inspiring story of Anna Mary Robertson, known as Grandma Moses, an American folk artist whose career flourished unexpectedly in her late seventies. Born in 1860 in Greenwich, New York, Grandma Moses lived through hardships and personal tragedies, including the loss of five of her ten children. Despite these challenges, her story is a testament to perseverance and the power of art.
The episode delves into significant moments of her life, from receiving crayons instead of a red dress on a day marked by President Lincoln's death, to her late blooming art career sparked by a need to cover a bare wall at home. Her artistic journey began in earnest when arthritis made her switch from embroidery to painting, leading her to produce over 1,500 paintings, some of which would eventually sell for millions.
At 78, her paintings caught the attention of art collector Louis Calder, which led to her work being displayed in the Museum of Modern Art. By 80, she was known as Grandma Moses, a name coined by the press. Her vivid, lively paintings captured the essence of American rural life, gaining her nationwide acclaim, and even recognition from President Truman.
This episode not only explores Moses' art but also her philosophy on life—emphasizing beauty and resilience over hardship. Join us as we explore how Grandma Moses became an icon of American art and culture, reminding us all of the enduring human spirit.