African-American Yard Art

I am not sure I agree with everything written about the significance of Africanisms and the yard art of the American South (and elsewhere) but one can't deny SOMETHING is going on here beyond untidy.   Ruby (the only name she would give me) simply said "it is pretty" and I had to agree. I'll leave it up to the experts and dissertation writers as to the meaning. Their work is as easy to find as a bottle on a tree. Near Yazoo City, Mississippi 1992."Ruby's Yard" 5 original 35mm photographs c. 1992 Collection Jim Linderman

Jesus is the only fire escape

Who can argue with this? I would feel pretty safe in his hands too, Jesus appears to be quite capable of carrying anyone to safety. Richmond, Virginia "Jesus is the only fire escape"

Original 35mm photograph c. 1993 Collection Jim Linderman

Instant Photography for the ages Mandelette

The first photo is remarkable for several reasons, not the least of which is that it shows a blind double amputee Native American woman propped up against a board (!) As a person once said to me "yep, she got her legs shot off" to be blunt. I am posting it as a "rest in peace" for Polaroid, who recently filed bankruptcy for the second time and this time there will be no squirming out.

Believe it or not, these photographs were produced with instant film circa 1915.
These are Mandelette direct-positive photo postcards taken by a camera which had it's own developing tank. Mandelette camera users were able to take instant photographs and produce a unique image directly on a flimsy card stock suitable for mailing. (These were foolishly imprinted with the Mandel logo right where the stamp went, one reason these are hard to find today...who would encourage consumers to block out the logo on their own product?) A fairly large and clunky apparatus, the camera was used most frequently on a tripod by street photographers who would load it with pre-printed postcard backs (as shown) and sell them to passerby. They worked poorly. As the machine could only produce one unique direct-positive image, like a tintype, the images were usually dark and blurred as seen in the equally unusual early motocycle riders here. Consequently, the camera lasted only a few years. Polaroid, on the other hand, was able to hang on a bit longer.


Three unique Mandel Real Photo post cards, 2.5" x 3.5" and 3" x 4.5", circa 1915 Collection Jim Linderman

Reverend Eldert Simpkins House of Prair and Healing

The Rev. Elbert Simpkins Prair House and Healing Church, a sign which made me glad to be wearing a seatbelt. The technique of squeezing letters together for appearance or "to fit" is known as kerning. The practice of reversing letters is known as, well...writing backwards. Children who write like this often worry their parents, but the youngsters usually figure things out and dyslexia seldom results. Da Vinci wrote letters backwards in his notebooks to protect secrets. I could not find a software program which reverses letters at random for you (which would be known as digital illiteracy) but there are plenty of folks asking how to do it in forums. This two- sided sign graced a small church in Mississippi. I doubt the Reverend is still keeping hours, but you could try the number.

Original 35 mm photographs, c. 1992 Collection Jim Linderman

Prophet Royal Robertson

From time to time I intend to post my vacation photos. Don't expect to see anyone parasailing. This is the house of Royal Robertson in Baldwin, LA. He called himself "The Prophet" but the trash collector I stopped and asked for directions called him "that weird guy with all the signs". You can just make out Mr. Robertson in the doorway inviting me back anytime. If he knew portions of his environment were now in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum of American Art...I don't think it would register, actually. He lived until 1997, I took these photos long before that. He married Adell Brent in 1955, but it didn't work out.

Two original photographs 35mm c. 1990 collection Jim Linderman

Resolution for the New Year?

Half of us MAKE resolutions at this time of year, but I don't have to tell you how many keep them. Unlike Skinny Harry and Jolly Joe here, just remember all things in moderation and don't use your cellphone while driving. Cheers!!!

Two Cabinet Card Photograph images Frank Wendt c. 1890 Sideshow Performer Carnival Freak
Pitch Cards Collection Jim Linderman

Internet Music Sales

A recent study found 10 million of the 13 million tracks available online failed to sell last year, much to the chagrin of digital track providers. A surprise, not. Libraries have always known the depth of the collection rarely circulates. The top 2% of the holdings in ANY archive account for 99% of the use. It is not unusual for 95 percent of any library collection to remain un-circulated for decades. However, you can not measure the value of that rare tidbit which might reach the right person. It is a law "bean counters" who analyze libraries (and now, with the same lack of insight, internet music shills) have failed to understand for years. Be grateful for what you have, providers! You've already helped destroy the concept of a coherent artistic statement by dissecting "albums" into digital bits of noise to be purchased in tiny chunks instead of being savored as a work of art in whole. Don't be surprised if the consumers you seek turn out to be incapable of seeking on their own. Top 2% of "music" feeding 98% of the consumers? They would rather sell to Beyonce fans than obscure hunting eccentrics anyway, right?

"Antique" Plywood Stairway to Heaven Shelf Unit c. 1950

Most definitions of an "antique" rely on the passing of time. An antique is 100 years old, although some definitions include objects only 50 years old. By this definition, the Eames chair, introduced in 1956, will be a four year old antique this new year. Plywood went into general use in 1905, though the first patent was established in 1865. Purists thus take note. Plywood is an antique. Antique "stairway to heaven" plywood shelf unit, handmade, circa 1950 Collection Jim Linderman

Salesman sample 1950's flooring tile

Salesman samples are by definition small. Designed for traveling salesmen or as store giveaways, they allow the seller to point out exceptional features of the product. This "tested" floor tile sample not only allows a salesman to display three colors of the company flooring, it shows the strength. Note scuff mark on the yellow square. One can almost hear the salesman "Go ahead...STEP ON IT"

Michigan Tile Company Salesman Sample c. 1950 Collection Jim Linderman

Dead Orange Soda Brands

A study by Tufts University researchers found that the main source of calories in the American diet today is sweetened drinks and sodas. Previously, Americans consumed most of their calories from white bread. They didn't drink these.

Eleven extinct soft drink bottles with original contents, sealed Collection Jim Linderman

Sawtooth Decorated African-American Dresser Cabinet c. 1870

Sawtooth decorated Southern African-American handmade dresser cabinet. Pine with original paint and original mirror. Collection Jim Linderman

A blog about surface, wear, form and authenticity. Dull tool and dim bulb were the only swear words my father ever used.