Vintage Children's Books

These children's book covers are from the late 1800's. If you want to see more, the Baldwin Library of Children's Literature (at the University of Florida) has a digital archive of children's books that you would not believe:

"This is the product of Ruth Baldwin's 40-year collection development efforts. A great strength of the collection is the many English and American editions of the same work. Other strengths of the collection include 300 editions of Robinson Crusoe, 100 editions of Pilgrim's Progress, fables, juvenile biography, 19th century science and natural history, 19th century alphabet books, moral tales, fairy tales, 19th century juvenile periodicals, 19th century boys' adventure stories, 20th century boys' and girls' series, Little Golden Books, and juvenile publications of the American Sunday School Union and other tract societies."

Have fun looking, you won't be sorry-

Baldwin Collection of Children's Literature

(Thanks to Internet Weekly)

The Art of Amy Crehore

Sam Chatmon and Hokum Music

In 1990, the Hokum Scorchers recorded a song called, "The Leads All Gone". It was originally done by Bo Carter (a.k.a. Bo Chatmon) in 1931 as "My Pencil Won't Write No More" and later it was recorded in 1980 by his brother Sam Chatmon on Flying Fish Records as "Pencil Lead Blues".

Here is an actual YouTube video of Sam Chatmon in 1978 performing a song called, "That's My Gal". For more performances by Sam on YouTube follow this LINK

If you would like to hear the Hokum Scorcher's perform "The Leads All Gone" (1990) follow this link and scroll down for music player. Lou Reimuller is singing and playing the National guitar and kazoo and I am singing, playing washboard and kazoo. (I switch this song every Sunday.)

The Art (and Music) of Amy Crehore

The Hokum Scorcher song on my website will be a different one most likely by the time you read this.

Nude Daguerreotypes

These images are in the collection at the Metropolitan Art Museum. Here is a description of "Two Standing Nudes" 1850 by Félix-Jacques-Antoine Moulin from the Met site- 'Although Moulin was sentenced in 1851 to a month in jail for producing images that, according to court papers, were "so obscene that even to pronounce the titles … would be to commit an indecency," this daguerreotype seems more allied to art than to erotica. Absent are the boudoir props, gaudy jewelry, and provocative poses typical of handcolored pornographic daguerreotypes and the stiffly held classical poses of photographic "academies" ostensibly intended for artists as substitutes for the live model. Instead, Moulin depicted these two young women utterly at ease, as unselfconscious in their nudity as Botticelli's Venus.'

The other image is by an unknown photographer, made for a stereoscope in 1840. It's a miracle that these pictures are in focus and natural looking. They had ways of shortening exposure time and arranging devices for sitters to remain still.

The Daguerreian Age in France: 1839–1855

The Art of Amy Crehore

Old Bird Cages

I have a bird cage in one of my new paintings, so this morning I thought I'd look up vintage cages. I have pretty much painted mine already and it's very simple, but this site has some interesting and ornate ones to look at (with a link to more). Thanks, Bernard Williams, for the 3 photos above.

Cages Through the Ages

The Art of Amy Crehore

What's up with me?

Logo for Tickler Ukuleles by Amy Crehore
Since this is first and foremost a blog for my new art, I thought that I would update you on what I have been doing. Let's see, the #2 Tickler Ukulele is in it's final stages. Yippee! Light at the end of the tunnel. I know it has taken longer than expected and I apologize to anyone who has been waiting to see it.There are so many cool details on this ukulele. It is my first real attempt at industrial design. A new model, a new uke design. I believe that uke lovers will get a kick out of it. It's both traditional and all new.
Also, I have been working on finishing 3 brand new oil paintings for my NYC show in July. I'm rotating them as I paint. Layering and adding color. These are all based on my Little Pierrot series and I am excited about them. (I will be showing six paintings altogether at Ad Hoc Art this summer. Can't wait. There will be four other great women in this show with me. I will blog more about it as the time draws near.) I will show you bits and pieces soon!
And, I have been sending Tickler t-shirts all over the place it seems. Yesterday, I sent one to Scotland. Quite a few have gone to the UK now. I actually lived in Teddington, England for a brief period myself. I should pull out some photos from back then and blog them. So much to do, so little time.
Also, I have a print sale going on right now. Monkey Love Series 20% off through the end of May. Free shipping. I have 3 of the original paintings out at M Modern Gallery in Palm Springs at the moment. (Click on "links" at their website to see the Tiki Anniversary Show)
The Art of Amy Crehore

Waitress With Poodle

Waitress&Poodle Photo copyright Raleigh Powell

My favorite Richmond, VA photographer took this great image of a waitress with a poodle outside of the Village Restaurant (?) in 1974. Thanks go to Raleigh Powell for this "photo of the day". Yes, Richmond is a colorful town...especially in black and white.
The Art of Amy Crehore

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Smoking Monkeys

I found these smoking monkey (cigarette) posters on that great blog Japonisme .

One even features a pierrot. The other shows a lady-monkey courtship. Well, what do ya know? I guess it's not so weird to date a monkey after all. I don't know why some people were so shocked by my art. So normal...ha ha!

The Art of Amy Crehore