Thursday, December 23, 2010

Vaudeville at the Drug Store





I was transported back in time yesterday. Around the corner at my favorite drug store (Hirons), Whistling Mitch gave a special Christmas performance. He had a vintage Harmony ukulele, green with palm trees, you know the one. Sporting giant ears, hilarious Elvis wig or a crown of colored lights, Mitch played song after song in front of the candy racks, behind the leftover Halloween masks (now perfect costumes for New Year's Eve). I really liked it when he took out a rub vest in the shape of a neck tie and tapped out a tune with his thimbles. I was jealous and almost grabbed it to join in (washboard player that I am), but I got shy at the last minute. Here are the photos. Thanks, Mitch for an old-fashioned 5-and-dime experience.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

El més petit de tots



This figure was created by the sculptor Miquel Paredes i Fonollà (1901-1980) for the Comissariat de Propaganda de la Generalitat de Catalunya in 1937 as a symbol of the revolution and resistance of the Catalan people against fascism. It is of a child soldier who calls the fight against the rebels, with the name "El més petit de tots".
There was also a song (sheet music illustration by Lola Anglada), plus the figure could be used as a hood ornament (as shown in top image).

Friday, December 17, 2010

Monday, December 13, 2010

Illustrations of Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood by Walter Crane
Little Red Riding Hood by Edward Brewtnall

Little Red Riding Hood by Gustave Dore
See more by various artists at SurLaLune.
Such a classic tale. I would love to do one myself! The middle painting (above) is magical. I love all three interpretations shown here.