Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “postmodernism” as either “of, relating to, or being an era after a modern one,” or “of, relating to, or being any of various movements in reaction to modernism that are typically characterized by a return to traditional materials and forms (as in architecture) or by ironic self-reference and absurdity (as in literature),” or finally “of, relating to, or being a theory that involves a radical reappraisal of modern assumptions about culture, identity, history, or language.”

My friend George Krause is both a postmodernist and possibly a world class artist.

a really crappy picture of George Krause

If you ask George about himself, both those descriptions are unlikely to be part of the conversation. George will tell you that he was trained as a carpenter who became a union electrician in Ohio and who once owned a certified organic farm. He and his educator-wife, Marcie, and their daughter, Maria, moved here not quite a decade ago to be closer to Marcie’s mother. Locals might remember the bookstore and coffee shop they operated out of their home on Main Street. The store was ahead of its time. (Having lived in Wythe County for four years myself, I sometimes wonder how things like electricity and the internal combustion engine ever caught on, but that’s a whole ‘nother story.)

Today, George still does electrical and carpentry work and maintains an urban organic garden. He also makes “awww…you know…stuff for the garden.”

Bottle Tree by George Krause

I first encountered George in May at the opening of this year’s Wytheville Farmer’s Market where he sells his remarkable produce. Shortly afterward, I called George largely because our mutual friend Liza Field thought we would hit it off. That was an understatement if there ever was one. It was more like kismet. I’m proud to now be included as one of George’s friends.

a slightly less crappy picture of George

So why do I consider George to be an artist when he doesn’t think of himself that way? Maybe I should give you my bona fides before I explain.

For the last 10 years that Anne and I lived in Fairfax County, we were heavily involved in the DC and NYC contemporary art community. At one point, I was a docent (a trained volunteer) at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, eventually serving as the assistant to the Curator of Contemporary Art. For a decade, I lived and breathed two things: food and art. I have viewed thousands of pieces of contemporary art across North America and Europe. Museum curators, gallery owners, collectors, and artists tell me I have a “good eye.” Trust me when I say I know good art. George Krause makes good art. As Pop Art master Robert Rauschenberg once stated, “It’s art if I say it’s art.”

George’s lyrical sculptures fall into the “found object” category typified by Rauschenberg, Louise Bourgeois, and friend and art star Dan Steinhilber. Click on the links and look at some of the work of these artists. Then look again at the work of George Krause. I’d really be interested in what you think, so leave a comment.

Window House by George Krause

By the way, George, who tends to be very self-deprecating, didn’t know I was planning to write this. But as he is fond of saying, “I’d rather ask forgiveness than permission.”