Heebee Post #854 - Valery Shimanovsky - Nizhekamsk, Tartarstan - Russia

 What a beauty! Folks, this a mighty piece of Mail Art and I am sure glad to have it and shall hang it near my art bench. Valery has captured the great sense of world belonging - as if the planet were united through Mail Art.  Moreover, it is in the classic rabbit head (Thanks Ray Johnson) shape, declaring that it is the 9th of 10 created and, best of all, it boasts "Test Tower" on it's nose! I tip my hat to you Valery. Can't take my eyes off it! An accomplishment to remember!

 Some notable features on the reverse side. That "Mail Art from Russia" rubber stamping has good amusement power to it and that stamping under it.............

I thought that outlandish looking little ink stamping warranted a bit closer view. I wish I could understand Cyrillic to know what the 'Angel with a star' is doing there and what it is commemorating. Why do these things fascinate me so much?  Anyway, thanks very much Valery, this card really made my day! I'll be hatching up something splendid for you in the mail very soon. Love this card! Valery's Mail Art.

Heebee Post #853 - Cracker Jack Kid - Hancock, New Hampshire - USA

 An interesting combo of photos but, it is difficult to tell just what exactly the Kid had in mind here because some kind of sticker must have come off over the right side of the lips - leaving it ripped, with those nice lips being torn off.  You can tell, if you peer closely, the right side of those lips have been repaired by a hasty moi and Photoshop. It's still cool, even if we will never know what the extraordinary Kid was trying to do here.

The Crackerjack Kid put together this stupendous puzzle of fun. It is perfect for the Jamboree here, in the 4th Dimension. Only a day or two left before the Jamboree is over and a big surprise is in store for you, dear reader. Stay tuned. The Kid can really put a spell of magic over his creations. And so, the legend of the Crackerjack Kid continues to blossom and grow. He is a pillar of good vibes! Thanks very much and see ya in the mail!

Heebee Post #852 - Art Tower (Gunter Schwind) - Aschaffenburg - Germany

 A big ol' Blue Momba! She's going to open up her big shiny yellow eyes and shriek: "Ooogie Boogie"! Cousin Arty sends in this, although currently in a calm state, frightening visage. Can't wait until she wakes up! I must also add that this postcard is perfectly laminated - making a beautiful art package

Nice to have cousin Arty as our guest on this fantastic "Indian Summer" day. I am really liking that interesting Tortoise and the little ones on the portraits eyes too.  Nice hunk of mail art old buddy, thanks very much. I have a little hunk of Post Kunst on it's way to A-Burg now! Art Tower's Mail Art.

Heebee Post #851 - Theo Nelson - Calgary, Alberta - Canada

 "Blue Bark'd Snowy Mountain Trees", sent in by Theo, marks that soon it shall be much colder as Summer breathes it's last breaths. And what a grand summer it was here, in the Northwest. Over Two solid months of zero rain. That folks, is a record! But I digress. Man, it sure is luxuriously green in Alberta!

Theo captures the change in season nicely with his poetic observations.  Is there really such a thing as blue bark'd snowy mountain trees? Sure would be fun to see. Thanks Theo, be seeing ya in the mail. Theo's site: Whimsy and Colour.

Heebee Post #850 - Eric Bruth - Montrouge - France

 Woah! Super Heroes in the 4th Dimension? An interesting notion to sort out. When I was a kid, I was pretty well immersed in the fantastic Marvel Comics Universe. All the characters you see above are Marvel. Too bad the Fantastic Four couldn't attend! Eric has sent this decorated envelope; which sent me into yesteryear. Thanks for the trip!

 This friendly bug-eyed little fellow, dressed in orange and chartreuse,  is Eric's ambassador for his Mail Project: "Frogs".  He also has other projects - check his site: My Mail Art World.  As you can see, he is definitely not ashamed of it!

Thank you very much Eric. I'll be sending something froggish your way soon. Your Cow project seems intriguing too. See you in the mail.

Heebee Post #849 - PC (TIC TAC) - Starnberg - Germany

 PC's prodigious creation of Artistamps is rather amazing.  She continues her excellent run with this incredible set of Ray Johnson Mail Art Artistamps. These wonderful stamps were actually "Issued by the Post Office on the 31, October 2011 to commemorate American Artist Ray Johnson, credited as the Father of Mail Art".  Wow, that's terrific PC!  Love these stamps!

The talented PC's work is invariably fantastic - even to the point of being exquisite. The reverse side boasts a  great looking 'Mail Art Special Edition' rubber stamping - typical coolness from this artist!  I am deeply impressed that these stamps were actually officially issued by the Deutsch Post. Astounding! Thank you very much PC  - Colossal card! I'll be seeing you in the mail!

Heebee Post #848 - Torma Cauli - Budapest - Hungary

 This striking postcard, sent in by Cauli,  just puts your eyes into a state of happy reverie. That crazy background is a great place for your gaze to land, although the composition keeps snapping them out of it and forces them to travel around this visual holiday.  Vibrant and beautifully done by this gifted artist. Great card Cauli!

Cauli's mail art creations come from a large spectrum of images and textures. Cauli does textures very well as you can clearly view here. That slightly rained on look really makes the card, as if it had a tough time trying to arrive here. Love the address sticker as well. This is a super card Cauli - Thank you very much. See you in the mail soon. Torma Cauli's Mail Art.

Heebee Post #847 - Sky City (Lord Fugue) - Hickory, North Carolina - USA

 Sky City sends in another dark psycedelic triumph with "Heed The Call". I know I better heed the call I got from Direct TV today (something about a late bill). Anyway, a great looking card with interesting detailI like the skull with the O.K. hand signal - it reads "Good for your muscles as well as your mojo"! Everybody needs something good for their mojo!  Two kind notes are present on the the "Call" card. One is a compliment (thank you) and one is confirmation of doing a collaboration or two together- an Add and Pass just between us? Sounds okay to me, let's do it Fugue! You say you will begin it? Nice lookin' card old boy!

The reverse side is also a party of colors with a bunch of interesting features. The background has various textures for the eye to 'feel'.  Splendidly Sky City! Thank you very much and yes, I'm enjoying those tunes and will be writing about them in my next mail art to you. See ya in the mail!

Heebee Post #846 - Herman Kamphuis - Amsterdam - The Netherlands

 This glorious temptress looks stunning in her purple majesty. This marvelous  work by Herman is nearly A4 in size - the size of the card really makes her appear large and in charge! The peripherally adjacent features work nicely in her favor, ensuring her Gypsy Queen status over them!   Long live the Queen!

Remember, this postcard is quite large and so the elegant loveliness of it is nearly life size, making the charm of it quite enchanting.  The Grace Kelly-ish beauty, adorned with cigar bands arbitrarily fixed upon an obscure sheet of Latin. It works very nicely Herman. I also enjoy the way she stares at me!  Fluxus Affair forever!  Thank you very much - Love this stuff! I'll be seeing you in the mail.

Heebee Post #845 - Fleur Helsingor - Oakland, California - USA

 "The Great Wall of Oakland". Fleur sends in this perfect mini folding magazine (3 1/2" x 2 1/2"). Almost as if a brochure, printed on a shiny, stiff commercial style paper - gives it a great, sort of professional effect. It came inside the lively yellow envelope behind it. Fleur has an affection for her city - that I share, having been born in Oakland. Fleur's creations are always beautiful, precision-like and entertaining. See the little art brochure unfold below.

The city of Oakland has many wonderful features and Fleur takes advantage of a few with her camera.  Some subtle and some meant to get your attention.

I'm crazy for this apparent address number, so cavalierly done on a window. Fantastic!

Fleur's package was a package within a package. A great way to contain mail art treasure! Thank you very much Fleur - that's great mail art! See you in the mail!

Heebee Post #844 - RCBz - St. Clown, Minnesota - USA

 Well, I guess Roy doesn't really have to worry about his postcard being too cute - in fact, au contraire! This rather gruesome WWII Holocaust looking card depicts the Mona Lisa in a tough spot. Roy's work can sometimes hide his modus operandi - and I am afraid this is one of those. I say get the girls some clothing and a little booze - they look like they have been through a rough stretch! Especially Mona.

"Fluxus says it all". Not understanding Fluxus doesn't mean you still can't enjoy it. In fact, if everyone understood Fluxus, it would not really be Fluxus at all, but just a passing of goofy notes and pictures back and forth. It is the mysterious nature of ambiguity that always enhances the Fluxus experience. In that regard, Roy's card is interesting and Fluxusy - Although the joy factor of this card was deliberately taken away by Roy's dark sense of humor. Am I close on that Roy? Don't get me wrong here folks, I love Roy's work, I have a couple on my wall. There are damned few who can match Roy's digital creative skills - It's just that this one isn't my favorite from him. Thank you  Roy, I still love ya and will see you in the mail quite soon!

Heebee Post #843 - Sherri Ayers - Lake Elsinore, California - USA

 Sherri sends in an interesting little mail call project - "Pimp My Postcard" of which the instructions are seen above. The works will be on display here: Pimp My Postcard.  Okay, let me put on my 'Pimp' gloves and get to work!

 Well, I feel better now - I had a couple of gals from the 4th Dimension factory help out and they were quite happy to do so. Thanks girls! Consider it pimped out! I'll be sending this in to Sherri straightaway.

Thanks Sherri,  for thinking of me for your project. I had fun participating. And thank you for the friendly note (not shown). I hope I see my pimped out card on your site.  I'll be seeing you in the mail very soon.

Heebee Post #842 - Ms. Carmela Rizzuto - Sunnyvale, California - USA

 Carmela's brilliant "Optical Chromatic Dispersion" is nearly dizzying in this colorful postcard. It's actually detail of a wild tempura painting. It works very nicely as it's own little universe and is rather handsome in a 4th Dimension kind of way!  The reverse side was an engagingly pleasant note (thank you), which I never publish, and the following postage stamp.

This beautiful bicentennial commemoration of the official launch of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804 - 2004). Featuring the two valiant leaders standing on a mountainside surveying the outlying lands. Lewis and Clark were in the vicinity of my town and a lot has been recorded about them around here. Just down the street is the Lewis and Clark Hotel and just a few miles from my home is the Lewis and Clark campground and numerous streets and businesses are named after them. Anyway, I like it.  Thank you very much Carmela - Loved your card and see ya in the mail.

Heebee Post #841 - Ka van Haasteren - The Hague - Netherlands

 "Love is Love's reward" - Emerson. This astonishingly beautiful dream romance marks Ka's fabulous debut, here in the 4th Dimension. A dazzling Fluxus Affair honeymoon in all it's mail art splendor! This just takes the viewer over the rainbow! The eye popping flowers and high voltage pinkness as a color theme just assaults the eyes and mind in the most splendid Fluxus Affair way! Fantastic work! The back of the card had a very nice note (thank you) and to answer your question, no, never too late for a good ol' "Fluxus Affair"!

The vital spark of a Fluxus Affair compels these two, but given a chance, she'd rather be back in Heebee Jeebeeland (who doesn't?). Another tasty treat for the eyeballs! Featured on this creation of delight, is that interesting Artistamp in the right lower corner.

 

  I thought we might take a closer look at that artistamp. I like when they are like little contained universes,  like this magical specimen. Great work Ka!

I also thought we might view the entire envelope unfolded and in it's magnificent entirety. I sure had fun pulling this colorful and vibrant "Fluxus Affair" out of the Post Box. I love this work - Thank you very much Ka. By the way folks, Ka is an impressive creator of art, check her out: Paintings, Collages and Comix.  Also: Ka's Mail Art. See you in the mail very soon my new friend.

Heebee Post #840 - Crackerjack Kid - Hancock, New Hampshire - USA

 The Crackerjack Kid's return to Heebee Jeebeeland  is a pleasing affair, beginning with the freshness of the  Fluxus card seen above. "Fluxus Card & Sandstamp" (Yep, that stamp is sandpaper) is clean and powerful. This is the first of four terrific panels that were hinged together.  Note the perforation that renders the four connected panels as postal stamp plate block sheets.

 The second panel reveals what the four panels are all about - an art showing of the "Crackerjack and Kid".  This really is a fantastic pic of the mettlesome Crackerjack and his gifted daughter (Kid) bursting with glee from the postbox (she's grown up now). I would have loved to have attended that wonderful affair.

 Lauryn Welch, like her Dad, is a painter and mail artist and the center of attraction in the piece entitled "As Quilt" (Acrylic Paint and Fabric).  Her work next to her Dad's should have proved to be quite entertaining.

 Crackerjack's sandpaper postage is a jollity of wordplay poetry somehow printed on the rough side. Meanwhile, on the smooth right side, a few friendly notes from the longtime mail artist.  

 I am going to let this one speak for itself.

I love the way Crackerjack adorns his envelopes - like an important document of some official caliber. Great to have you back in the 4th Dimension my friend. I've just sent something your way about a week ago - seen it yet? Thank you very much and see you in the mail!

Heebee Post #839 - Neville Bedford - Providence, Rhode Island - USA

 Neville sends in this cozy summer outdoor portrait session at one of the many New England "Art Festivals". Personally, it's a little tame for me but, "To each his own". Sure looks nice and calm - if that's what you want from art.

Neville gets down to the nitty gritty on the reverse side of the card. Let me read that for ya: "Mail Art? Who needs it? We have artists all over the place! Come and get your portrait done some day". Okay. Well wow, how do I respond to that? I think that all of us might be glad that I am in a good mood.  See you in the mail Neville.

Heebee Post #838 - Lotro Poku (Lothar Trott Part #2) - Zurich - Switzerland

 Part #2 of the Lotro double bubble showing unfolded into a sort of "Linear Poku-Vision" consisting of 6 panels hinged together.  At the top, the Lotro mini saga begins with the mysterious entertainer, Eva Cola as Ambassador against all that is wrong and seen here rallying against the "Terror Supermarket". This is some wonderful mail art Lothar.

This is the folding booklet before opening. Lothar has adorned his cover panel with the lucky Fluxus girl stamp I sent to him. She looks even more smashing on your envelope old boy!  Thank you very much Lotro. Something on it's way to Zurich!

Heebee Post #837 - Lotro Poku (Lothar Trott Part #1) - Zurich - Switzerland

 Lotro's sense of humor reaches good height with this unusual postcard. I'll explain: The center is actually a card I had sent him - now, all that remains of the card is the blueish pieces near the edges (and, of course, Fluxus Girl - a tough little cookie!)  I'll admit to you, dear reader, that I had used 'bargain glue' and this is not the only one that met this fate. Ugh!  Anyway, Lotro mounted the remnant of the old card onto a slab card and fascinatingly put a 'footprint' made with the 'sender' rubber stamp in the center with the hand notation,  "Heebee Jeebee First Step"! To me, this is hilarious in it's ambiguity as several ideas of what he may have meant by this hike through my mind. Oh, that Lotro!

This is only part #1 of a two part "Poku Experience".  I have had the odd notion that Lotro Poku may be the James Brown of  postal works - "The hardest working man in Mail Art". I'll post part #2 tomorrow - stay tuned. Thanks Lotro, see you tomorrow too!

Heebee Post #836 - William L. Philyaw - Shawnee, Kansas - USA

 The popular enigmatic mail artist William Philyaw's work often takes on the appearance of a scientific experiment for study and the above report from him is a fine example of his style. I have often imagined William at his art bench - wearing a long lab coat.  Because sometimes, he must feel like a scientist! Nice card!

 Side B of the card features a lightning bolt snozola, some brilliant Russian postage (The Russian government makes exquisite Space postage). Also featured is a - Hey! Sorry folks, Fluxus Girl seems to have made unsolicited visit. She can be a spirited lass and it may be difficult to control the little sprite!

This is such a classic specimen of  Curteich's "C.T. Art-Colortone" printing process at it's finest. This "Big Letter" postcard is circa 1939 and is a joy to behold. Nice one for my vintage linen postcard collection.

The promising envelope that carried everything has some very interesting bygone relics of U.S. Postage. 

For instance, this incredible 1963 Montgomery Blair (20th U.S. Postmaster) Air Mail 15 cent stamp for the "1st International Postal Conference 100th Anniversary" commemorative is just gorgeous. Blair called for the conference to be held in Paris, 1863, and it became the impetus for the Universal Postal Union - a specialized agency of the United Nations.

While I was checking this out, I came across the French commemorative of the same occasion (Union Postale Universelle), also issued 1963. A rather memorable event for the entire world. Thank you William for the great Mail Art (as usual).  Always a grand affair when William visits the 4th Dimension. See you in the mail soon my old friend. Visit William's Mail Art site: Addressee.