Saturday, May 17, 2008

Nude Daguerreotypes


These images are in the collection at the Metropolitan Art Museum. Here is a description of "Two Standing Nudes" 1850 by FĂ©lix-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.

Friday, May 16, 2008

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.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

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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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Hokum Scorchers Perform "Pick Poor Robin Clean"

Luke Jordan's gravestone photo by Kevin Cleary, deadbluesguys.com

Listen to the Hokum Scorcher's 1990 traditional version of Luke Jordan's "Pick Poor Robin Clean" from 1927. The lyrics remain the same. Luke Jordan (1892-1952) was a blues guitarist and vocalist of some renown in his local area of Lynchburg, VA. Lou Reimuller is singing and playing the National guitar and kazoo and I am singing, playing washboard and kazoo. Follow link and scroll down for music player:


This song changes every Sunday evening and it will probably be different by the time you read this.