Georgia, USA. 1993. Laminated plywood. This is a strikingly decorated dog by Outsider artist and Baptist minister Howard Finster. As with many of his works, it includes his short sermon. While the carved profile resembles a dog, Finster possibly intended it as the lamb of God. Painted white and covered overall with sparkles, painted angels and birds, it is one of his distinctive works. Mounted to a pine base. Signed on reverse "By Howard Finster, Sept 2, 1993" with quotations from the Ten Commandments. The base is extensively covered with biblical themed inscriptions, as per photos. Very good condition. From the Marty Osler Collection. 9" x 16" x 3.75". Howard Finster (1916-2001) was an American artist from Georgia. He began as a pastor at age 16, and claimed to have spiritual visions and connections with God. In 1961, he purchased four acres of land in Pennville, Georgia and began constructing his 'Plant Farm Museum' - a folk art sculpture garden which grew to over 46,000 pieces of art. His goal was to showcase all of the "wonderful things o' God's Creation, kinda like the Garden of Eden". In addition to his sculptures, Finster painted thousands of works, with a diverse range of subjects including pop culture icons, politicians and religious images. He began to garner attention for his work in 1975, and was commissioned by bands such as R.E.M. and Talking Heads for album covers. Finster's work has been featured in museums across North America, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum.