Being a creative artist, not only does Lou Shields continue the tradition of American music with his solo performances of music styles from days-gone-by, such as Old Time Blues, Folk, and American but he is an artist and Professor of Art at a college in the Chicago area.
Yes, Lou Shields has been seen sitting on his front porch playing his 1931 National Resonator Guitar or a banjo accompanied by an unusual front porch style foot percussion and harmonica. Imagine that! You can’t help but drift back to the past as Lou Shields uses his voice as an extension of the past. He has toured the U.S. and Europe over many years and released at least five full albums and more
But that isn’t all.. oh no.. this highly talented person finds time to work with wood and reclaimed materials. He was always an outdoor type of personality even as a little boy. So, Lou Shields often found materials and antiques along the roadside when he wandered. Lou Shields even owned an art gallery in Pilsen on 18th and Halsted. He continues to follow his love for woodworking as well as his love for music.
As Lou Shields traveled he would take pictures of things such as an old home in Mississippi and later draw it and then exhibits the pictures in gallery shows and sell prints, to help support his life on the road.
This, always on the go, musician and artist found time to buy property on a scenic bluff in Wisconsin. Lou Shields Amish friends built a barn on his homestead for woodworking but envisions much, much more. Ahhh such a view!! Lou Shields is able to balance city and country life as his heart is truly on the road. Loud Shield’s music’s brings happiness as he is an everyday hero.