Since the beginning of photography in the 1800s, professional and amateur photographers have experimented with hand painting to make their photographs appear more realistic. Hand coloring was a time consuming process resulting in unique hand-made images and many skillfully painted photographs such as the image above of La Jolla Beach in California, are unsigned. Amateur photographers enjoyed the endeavor of hand coloring their snapshots and results range from subtle and pristine to humorous and painterly. By the early 1960s, most snap shooters switched from black and white to color film.
Fotoesculturas
Beginning in the 1930s, artisans in Mexico started producing fotoesculturas - family portraits that combine photography, sculpture and painting to create three-dimensional photographic portraits. According to Art Historian, Monica Garza (Afterimage, 2002), “The actual process of making a fotoescultura began with a pre-existing photograph, usually obtained by a traveling salesman. Although a formal studio portrait was usually used, artisans accepted any photograph the client owned. Fotoesculturas commonly included the addition of dimensioned ties, hats, shirts, buttons and various bodily features. Fotoesculturas could consist of both single and multi-figured busts, often carved from a single piece of wood. After the photograph was adhered to the bust, a retouching was done during which color and/or jewelry were applied in order to personalize the portraits."
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SITES: A Cigar Label Junkie's Passion is Chip Brooks' comprehensive collection of cigar box labels - link is direct to Bizarre/Fantasy Theme (Whiz label is from Barbara Levine Collection)
Notable eBay auction - Rare 1920s Wood Photo Booth (can be yours for only $1,000,143.00!)
The Found is Jim York & Albert Tanquero's new endeavor to manufacture unique gifts inspired by vintage photos, slides, mugshots &ephemera.
BLOGS: mapping vernacular and visual worlds (+ all points in-between & always fresh) John Foster's Accidental Mysteries and Jim Linderman's
Dull Tool Dim Bulb
Felt & Wire is "about the universe of design, paper and print". Recently featured, an interview with Designer Lisa Congdon and her 'A Collection a Day' project
EXHIBITIONS: The Mexican Suitcase, ICP NY, Sept. 24, 2010–Jan. 9, 2011
Photographer Unknown: The Vernacular photograph as "accidental art", Robert Tat Gallery, San Francisco, Aug. 19 - Nov. 27, 2010
Discovering the Language of Photography: The Gernsheim Collection, Harry Ransom Center at University of Texas, Austin, Sept. 7, 2010 - Jan. 2, 2011 (online exhibit on Luminous Lint)
For More Fresh Links Questions? blevine@projectb.com
