Art Brut from Detroit Michigan Sam Mackey

The little known work of Sam Mackey is shown here from several institutional collections. Mr. Macky was the grandfather of Tyree Guyton, creator of Heidelberg Project, a long standing (and constantly changing) folk art environment in Detroit. Mr. Guyton has said his grandfather was an inspriation on his own work. I am not sure how widely Sam Mackey's work has been publicly shown, if at all. Some 25 years ago I was fortunate to see of number of originals in New York courtesy of a friend who had the work sent to him for approval. Great work, and work which I believe is quite scarce. The art here is dated circa 1987 - 1992. Crayon and pencil on paper. Images of Sam Mackey work from the following sources: Knight Foundation The Wayne State University Collection For art and artists(blog) University of Michigan Museum of Art

The Jordan line of Dreamed up Automobiles from the 1950s. Vintage Scrapbook with original drawings

Dream Automobiles! Robert Jordan creates his own line of imaginary automobiles in the 1950s. A 6" x 8" handmade booklet with cutouts from popular magazines on the front and back covers...but the real interest here is the wacky transportation vehicles Young deamed up. "Droom" is Dutch for Dream, and "Tekeningen Cahier" seems to translate to "booklet of techinical drawings" and that's what we have. Even a few amphipbious hot rods! Robert Jordan Handmade book of drawings c. 1950 collection Jim Linderman / Dull Tool Dim Bulb

Antique American Folk Art Drawing of a Wild Turkey

An early folk art drawing of a wild turkey. Signature appears to read "S.G. Fry" with no date. C. 1890 - 1910. Collection Dull Tool Dim Bulb

Original Carnival Photographs by Larry Epstein

What we have is a group of interesting carnival and sideshow photographs taken by Larry Epstein (Laurence David Epstein) likely of Philadelphia. Not too much about the photographer, alas...who was active in the Philadelphia area in the 1960s. Know more about the artist? Add a comment. Thanks! Lot of Carvival and sideshow photographs c. 1965. Collection Jim Linderman Thanks to BOXLot of Facebook

Anderson Johnson Preacher, Artist, Performer. Henry Stone records and Vernon Carter writes a Book

I'm pleased to have learned the website of Legendary Independent Music Producer Henry Stone from Florida is using my photo of the Reverend Anderson Johnson. Stone ruled Florida dance and soul music for decades. He is also the person who recorded Johnson in the 1950s! It is good to have Johnson's early busking days and gospel recording career finally connected to his art producing years. A great story now apparently published in two books. The Henry Stone connected project is HERE and another book on the artist is HERE along with work at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center HERE. LOTS of pictures.

Blanch Ackers African-American Artist from Arkansas, Michigan.

Blanch Ackers moved from Arkansas to near Detroit, Michigan in 1943. In 1985 she found employment in a Foster Grandparent program and was introduced to art by Christine Hennessay, an art teacher. She was over 70 years of age when her first drawings were produced. Essentially "memory paintings" the work reflects strongly the African-American experience in the Southern United States where she spent her childhood. Blanch Ackers passed in 2003 at the age of 88. Ms. Ackers has a wikipedia entry, and her works are held by the University of Michigan Art Museum Blanch Ackers. Five untitled drawings, c.1990 Collection Jim Linderman

True Crime Dull Tool Dim Bulb. Lurid Drawings by a Young Woman Underworld True Crime Stories

Two lurid drawings by a young woman in 1947. These come from an album of original art (and a few tracings?) with the initials M.R. Lets assume these two weren't drawn from life. There were dozens of true crime pulps during the era, although most confused "true" with "fiction." Dad must have had these issues around, but Mom surely read them.

Back to School Drawings. Students from the 1950s draw the Family at Dinner collection Jim Linderman

Well, the assignment is "My Family at Dinner" and the paper is manilla. I like to think of these drawings as being on the cusp of perspective. Being only an amateur scholar of children's art, I can't evaluate these much, but it appears ta few of the artists might need a bit of attention. C. 1950 Children's drawings from a classroom, ages up to 11 years old. Collection Jim Linderman / Dull Tool Dim Bulb

At the Circus. Vintage photographs of Circus Performers and Trainers from the Jim Linderman Collection

Most of these antique circus photographs have appeared on the Dull Tool Dim Bulb blog before, each with a story and some documentation. This post is just to look. Various 19th and 20th century circus photographs Collection Jim Linderman

Antique American Folk Art Drawing Woman with Umbrella Anonymous late 19th Century Collection Jim Linderman

Courtesy the wonderful online shop CRITICAL EYE FINDS The site has beautiful and unique Items of interest to anyone who enjoys this blog! Folks are always asking where I find things? Critical Eye Finds is now one! Nice items, great photos and a transparent,fascinating pricing strategy. The inventory is selected by Kate Hackman, who has a strong fine art background. MUCH recommended! Antique American Folk Art Drawing Woman with Umbrella Anonymous late 19th Century Collection Jim Linderman CRITICAL EYE FINDS is HERE