The nature of art

There is a lot of "fan art" out there. Some of it is good, most of it is not. Much of it passes bye - on eBay or fan sites or message boards - without comment. Sometimes I think to myself, WTF ? But there it is. Some fan's sincere artistic rendering of their idol. But is it art ? Who can say ? I guess that's why they call it "fan art." (In the spirit of full disclosure, I must admit I own a few pieces of Louise Brooks fan art.)

An artist named Esqui occasionally places some of his art for sale on eBay. The piece pictured below was just listed. I like it. I like it alot. There is something "perfect" about it. Perhaps the color scheme?

There is something appealing about it. If nobody bids on it, I might. What do you think?

Louise Brooks

This postcard reportedly dates from the 1920's. It is by an artist named Bornand. In all likelyhood, it does not depict Louise Brooks - though it is a close match. What do you think.

Beggars of Life to screen in Chicago

Beggars of Life (1928) will be shown in Chicago in August. Here is a link to an article mentioning the film and other silent films which are being shown over the course of the Summer.

Just Another Blonde status

Fragments of the 1926 Louise Brooks' film, Just Another Blonde, still exist. The film has long been considered lost. To find out more, visit this archive record on the UCLA website

Prix de beaute shows tonight

Prix de beaute (1930) shows at the Harvard Film Archive tonight at 7:00 pm. For more information about this superb Louise Brooks film and tonight's event, check out this webpage.

RadioLulu r.i.p. ?

The days left for RadioLulu may well be numbered. Should the new royality rates go into affect, and should that cost be passed along to me - the broadcaster, I think I will have to shut down the station. I am a poor fan - and don't think I would be able to afford an increase in annual fees.

I hope everyone who loves Louise Brooks and silent film and popular music of the 1920's and 1930s has had a chance to listen to the many fabulous rarities broadcast on the LBS on-line radio station.

SaveNetRadio wrote yesterday:

Time and options are running out for Internet Radio. Late this afternoon, the court DENIED the emergency stay sought on behalf of webcasters, millions of listeners and the artists and music they support.UNLESS CONGRESS ACTS BY JULY 15th, the new ruinous royalty rates will be going into effect on Sunday, threatening the future of all internet radio.
We are appealing to the millions of Internet radio listeners out there, the webcasters they support and the artists and labels we treasure to rise up and make your voices heard again before this vibrant medium is silenced. Even if you have already called, we need you to call again. The situation is grave, but that makes the message all the simpler and more serious.
PLEASE CALL YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES RIGHT AWAY and urge them to support the Internet Equality Act. Go to (Link) to find the phone numbers of your Senators and Representative.
If they've already co-sponsored, thank them and tell them to fight to bring the bill to the floor for an immediate vote. If the line is busy, please call back. Call until you know your voice has been heard. Your voices are what have gotten us this far - Congress has listened. Now, they are our only hope. We are outmatched by lobbying power and money but we are NOT outmatched by facts and passion and the power of our voices.

An embroidered portrait

Erkia, friend of the LBS, sent this image of an embroidered portrait of Louise Brooks which she recently completed. Isn't it awesome?