I’m currently taking commissions for folk art snakes. While the forms are designed by nature, the scale and colors may be customized. Please also inquire about snakes I have in stock. Prices range from $50 to $125, shipping not included.
Email: Henritdehahn@yahoo.com
Background
Born in Montreal, Canada, de Hahn moved with his family to Vienna, Austria at a young age, and at nine to Switzerland. Eventually he trained as an architect at the Ecole Polytechnique Féderale in Lausanne, Switzerland, completing an M.Arch before moving to New York City. When he was invited to join the faculty of architecture at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, he first discovered this new region of the country and found the vernacular art form called Folk Art.
The vibrant colors, playful human forms, and farm animal interpretations, hooked both he and his wife. The artists they discovered elevated the common to an art form, and transformed the everyday into an object that triggered surprise and admiration. Folk art entered their hearts and in keeping with another passion – collecting – they assembled pieces by their favorite artists.
Fast-forward twenty years, and a move to Virginia via California, and an unexpected fall storm covered their downtown Christiansburg lawn with a variety of tree limbs of different dimensions and sizes. It must have been an auspicious day, as de Hahn’s attention was drawn to a 13-foot-long branch. The form demanded attention and he decided to transform this amorphous form into a reptile and give it a new life through color and pattern. His first folk art snake was born.
Ever since, and particularly during walks with their two Jack Russell terriers, his eyes scout for branches that may lend themselves to the creation of other snakes.
During the years, de Hahn has perfected a simple process that begins with removing the bark from walnut or maple branches, then proceeds to sanding the wood, and applying various coats of paint while inventing color patterns.
Private collections
While folk art snakes have been purchase directly from galleries and exhibitions, others have made their way into private collections located in Alabama, California, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, New York, Virginia, and Switzerland.
Recent creations
Process in creating a folk art snake
Colors schemes
