Magic posters...

One of my favorite family legends is that my great grandmother used to raise doves for Harry Houdini.  I like to imagine what it must have been like to be around in the heyday of mentalists, magicians and "spiritualists". It must have been pretty amazing to be a kid back in the 1920's before there were so many people were exposing the tricks of the trade. My imagination would have run wild.  I've always been facinated by magic tricks and remember being pretty freaked out as a kid watching the magicians do their tricks on TV( I still don't get that sawing people in half thing).

But alas, as for the modern magicians...well they are a bit too cheesy for me. I just can't do it. The style is just not right. (I'm talking about you, Criss Angel.) The "magic" is gone for me.


So, I must return to a time when the magician was king...Check out the incredible design of these vintage magic posters. I love the style and drama of each one of them. There is such beauty in the type and a kind of beautiful strangeness throughout each design. Some of them are pretty pulp in their imagery, and maybe even a bit erotic, which is always fun.  I love how the artists used bits of the surreal world by drawing all the spirits and devilish imps in the air. It's all pretty fantastic, don't you agree?

Handy Randy 1927, via flickr

Howard Thurston...Lovely bit of spiritualism via Shorpy

Alexander via icollector.com

Harry Houdini circa 1895, via The Library of Congress

Little devils....The Great Carter

Lovely Harry Kellar poster from 1894

Another wonderful Keller Poster via Library of Congress

J.J. De Coligni and his assistant via Flickr

Hermann the Great

Most of these posters were made in the heyday of Vaudeville(about 18880's to 1930's).  I would love to truly credit the illustrators if these designs, but that information seems a bit scarce. Does anyone know who did the artwork for these posters? Thanks!


For more vaudeville/circus imagery of this time, check out this amazing website, www.circusmuseum.nl

Happy Friday!

"MCCALL MAGAZINE COVER, GIRL IN RAIN" 1943 via George Eastman House

 I hope all the crazy storms on the East Coast pass you by. Stay safe everyone...and try to have a fabulous weekend whatever the weather!

Making love happen...

Happy Couple? Via The George Eastman House

These Lovelies are here via Lisby. 
BTW, Don't you think this is guy is the spitting image of actor, John Hawkes?

This couple via the George Eastman House

Just a little update...I am working on the little dating cards that will come with each "Ladies & sGents" portraits today. It is really fun to figure out what each character is looking for in their future love. As an inspiration...check out more of these wonderful husband and wife photo's from the lovely "How to Be a Retronaut" blog.. Some of these couples look made for each other, these others...not so much.

On a side note, this is really fun to make these profiles...my husband and I met online. I do believe love can be found in alternative ways...

Favorite Places & Spaces...

I walked around my neighborhood today and visited one of my favorite stores...Gypsy Honeymoon.

I want to own everything inside...

Fragile'

Madonna & the Metals

Faces hidden in the case

Fabulous frames

Vintage Shampoo Ad

Two girls and some stamped metal

Antique polka-dots dress

Fabrique a'la Gare

Beautiful carved head

Couldn't you just live in this store?

Ladies & Gents, Part 2

I just finished the second 10 illustrations for my "Ladies & Gents" series. Each character will be taking part in a little bit of a Victorian Dating Service. I have to wonder, who will be right for each other, who will be wrong? All of the possibilities are floating around in my head. Here are all the new Victorians...I hope you like them.

Abiel, Age 28, Soldier

Albert, Age 38, Store Manager

Becky, Age 19, Student

Harland, Age 36, Scientist

Hortence, Age 41, Mother of 8, Widower

James, Age 27, Gambler

Lydia, Age 32, Performer

Mordecai, Age 41, Magician

Natalie, Age 20, Cook

Theodosia, Age 42, Widow & Caregiver

I'm really excited about creating stories for each of these drawings. I'n the end there will be 20 different characters. I may do more but I would love to get these turned into prints ASAP. I can imagine people creating their own couples and putting their lost relatives on their walls. Here's to giving new couples a  chance at love...

Anyone have a favorite?

Music for a Monday

I really love Pandora radio! Today I've been listening to my Kate Bush station and just loving it. There are such amazing talented people coming out of this set. Such incredible soulful singers. I know it is all older stuff but I feel such a connection.

Do you ever listen to such incredible music your heart aches?  I thought I would share some of favorites with you today...

The world seems a to bit harder and stranger today. I'm thinking of you all in London...and hoping for the craziness to stop soon.

Words of wisdom...

Just found this lovely little chalkboard sentiment by Mandy from the Dear Musketeer blog. I've been feeling a little bit off lately and need to refocus. Sometimes, I think you have to have find the courage within you to dream that big picture before you can really focus on all the little steps you need to take to get there. I realize I better give myself the opportunity to dream more. I need to create a bigger dream than I think is currently possible.

Do you ever get so fixated on tiny ideas/thoughts, you forget to dream big?

It's time for the August Meetup!

Looking a little closer at things...via The Smithsonian Institution

Wow, July just flew by, didn't it? I am ready to be pushing myself hard this month. Pushing past the rality of my 40th birthday on the 25th. Yikes....So, I've got a lot to do. But I'm pretty excited about the possibilies of it all.

So what did I accomplish in July? Not as much as I wanted but I did manage to create 10 more illustrations for my Ladies & Gents Series. I started reworking my blog. How do you like the new header so far? (there still a bit of work to be done but I'm happy with it so far.) and I worked on creating a better system for working. Yay, for better time management and making schedules...I'm doing better at finding balance with all my different projects I've been working on. And believe me, it is a very good thing.

My plans/goals for August:

1. Get all prints up on Etsy. I'm hoping to have have at least 25 prints for sale.
2. Start blogging for The Center for the Book.
3. Keep schedule at New Bohemia Signs. 10 -15 hours a week. Create a solid project list.
4. Paint a new Nursery Painting for Angela.
5. Create a Blogging schedule and stick to it.
6. Create at least one painting a month for Illustration Friday.
7. Get my profile up on Illustration Mundo.
8. Take more pictures...
9. Draw everyday. 
10. Start getting ready to market myself as a freelancer. Anyone have any tips? I need to get more business minded.
11. Take a mini vacation and enjoy my birthday...
12. Get my work out to at least one new blog or website. 
13. Find a good exercise and mediation routine.
14. Start creating ideas for the "Ladies & Gents" series as a book possibility.
15. Bring some focus to working in Editorial Illustration.
16. Practice my lettering for the sign shop 2x a week.

It should be a pretty interesting month. Wish me luck...

What is the Meetup thing, you ask? It is a group of creatives that encourage each other each month to make and complete their goals. Join us...it is an amazing to watch the progress of others and yourself...
Contact Liz for more info here.