Heebee Post #932 - William L. Philyaw - Shawnee, Kansas - USA

 I like the 'all business' look of William's "Fashion Enforcer" postcard. The contrast of the more delicate nature incorporating with the rough and tough, makes for an interesting new kind of warrior. Perhaps William is making a humorous statement about the U.S.A.'s possible new policy of having women in combat zones.  I really don't understand why women (or anyone else, for that matter) want so desperately to be on the front line of a chaotic battle. Is it because the pay is better? Advancement in rank easier to attain? I realize some women are capable of exhausting, long running combat but, to just generally include women, might not be the best idea. I expect we shall see how this new policy works out. Don't get me wrong folks, I have a great respect for the fairer gender - though this is a bit much - except for the real bad-ass ladies! And there, indeed, are some - like the one seen above!

 I see that the irrepressible Fluxus Girl is still being flirtatious with William's Professor. This time the tables are turned on the little prankster when the Prof asks her to pull his finger!

 Who doesn't love Russian outer space postage?  Fantastic.

And check out the "Decade of Achievement"  U.S. postage. Those were the days. Now, we can barely spend any money on space exploration because of our beyond extravagant spending on everything else. But, it won't always be like this.  NASA (National Aeronautics Space Administration) shall live again! Viva la NASA!  Thank you very much William - see you in the mail old chum.  Addressee.

Heebee Post #931 - Jennie Hinchcliff - San Francisco, California - USA

Quintessential entrepreneur and pillar of the paper art community, Jennie Hinchcliff sends in this delicious sheet of IUOMA Artistamps (International Union of Mail Artists) celebrating it's 25th anniversary.  Notation at the bottom of the sheet indicates that the stamp design is by the dynamic duo of Kerr and Cohen (The Sticker Dude) - Meanwhile, the perforation was accomplished by Jennie (Red Letter Day).  I have learned a bit more about the fine art of perforation since the super AARPEX 2012 Philatelic Exhibition and the Grand Opening of the MOA (Museum of Artistamps), both in Seattle last November.  Perforating is difficult and can be quite challenging.  I asked a few of the Artists about their perf. techniques and found that machines like the one below are still currently the best method of perforating stamp sheets.  In fact, all of the artists (5) I asked owned similar vintage machines, all older than 1890,  and use them exclusively.  "How do I get one of those?", I asked - knowing the answer. "You can't", came the grinning unanimous reply. So you see, there is a sort of mystique just in the perforation alone. I am still seeking a way to perforate my own stamps and am still unsure about how to do it properly. I was speaking with Artistamp wizard Jas Felter about the difference between making postcards and creating Artistamps.  He smiled knowingly and sage like while saying "Stamps are a little more esoteric". Yeah, I think he is right about that.   

The antique Rosbach Pinhole Perforator apparatus information stamp sheet (which is perforated - look closely) was given to me at the AARPEX show by Jennie when I met her in Seattle.last November, in the midst of a perforation conversation.  

A closer view of one of the most popular mail art stamps on the international mail art scene.  Not familiar with IUOMA? Check it out: IUOMA.

Thanks very much Jennie. I get homesick sometimes for San Francisco, still my favorite city. Ah well, at least I get to swap art with one of it's coolest residents. See you in the mail Ms Hinchcliff.  Red Letter Day.

Heebee Post #930 - Sky City (Lord Fugue) - Hickory, North Carolina - USA

 I like Sky City's "Concerning Dali's Mouth Organ" reference in his "Uncertain Times" poem. That mention, coupled with the dream-like, upper class appearance of the image, reminds me of my favorite Luis Bunuel film "The Exterminating Angel" (El Angel Exterminador) 1962.  The link is for the original movie trailer - compare and see.  An unusual flavor - even for Lord Fugue - but, cool in a slightly disturbing way.

Side B of the entertaining card, is like an extra-dimensional bulletin board. The features are almost like a garage-band hieroglyphics "To do" list.  Sky City is obviously having fun. Thank you very much Scott, see you in the mail.

Heebee Post #929 - Ka van Haasteren - The Hague - The Netherlands

 "Squid Brain!", she yelled, "Your goose is cooked"!  Ka's "Squid Squad" is like a surreal Soap Opera Noir.  Maybe it was his breath? Self hygiene can be difficult for a Squiddie but should not be overlooked.

 "Eiszeitgeist" (Ice Spirit). This ethereal snow sprite holding court with the agents of her frozen realm. Brilliantly done!  Gorgeously wild with spooky detail!  Love it! And may 2013 be your favorite year Ka!

Both sides of Ka's incredible envelope sure makes a spectacular Mail Art package!  Another Squid Patrol theme - this one done exquisitely!  I am a big fan of this interesting artist and adore her manufactured universes and her courageous creative spirit. Thank you very much Ka - I'm fixin up something for you - see ya in the Post! Ka's Mail Art.  Also, check her art site: Ka van Haasteren Art.

Heebee Post #928 - Herman Kamphuis - Amsterdam - The Netherlands

 I love the clawing passion that Herman tinkers with in this nearly unbridled sexual tension, museum-like postcard specimen.  Herman's grandly wry sense of humor permitted him to write "Fluxus Girl" on the shoulder of her seductive blouse. His sultry and exotic Siren is hilariously compared to Heebee Jeebeeland's Fluxus Girl (to the left).  The contrast is so over the top, that it is highly amusing.  I love this card!

Juxtapositioning, is an art all by itself and Herman is a master of it. Done right, as Herman always does, it can reveal strange similarities as well as the worlds apart differences.  Ego and conscience?  A nice pair nevertheless.  Thank you Herman - Your work is superb - See you in the post box!

Heebee Post #927 - Umberto Basso - Barletta - Italy

Umberto's "Invasione d'Arte"  Fluxus postcard is a handsome piece that feels good on the eyes with it's 'Spectral Tunic' chart and it's many 'Fluxus' Features. A distinct friendly tone permeates this piece - not unlike it's creator!

Umberto is in association with the interesting Dodo Dada Art Consortium (Italian) and they are always up to something over there.  And Happy New Year to you as well, my dear Umberto! Thank you for the brilliant card and see you in the post! Umberto Basso Art.

Heebee Post #926 - Torma Cauli - Budapest - Hungary

 Cauli's 'Man without words' is like a snapshot of a shuffled time continuum - if not spent in a linear order. Like Vonnegut's  "Slaughterhouse 5"  where the main character, Billy Pilgrim, becomes unstuck in time.  For instance, he might live his 40th year just after his 27th year. Or, he might see a train from his future pass by him - that, oddly, he remembers!

Cauli's work encompasses many parts of the Artistic spectrum and so, his Mail Art is constantly being redefined in different expressions.  Here, a sophisticated pop still-life, perfectly done - tells only a small part of this artist's wide range of style.  Nice job Cauli, thanks very much and see you in the mail!  Torma Cauli Mail Art..  -- By the way, I see that fellow Mail Artists keep calling him Torma.  That is actually his last name  (Lazlo Torma).  Cauli, the name he prefers for his mail art, was actually given to him by the popular Belgian mail artist, Frips.  Now you know!

Heebee Post #925 - Jean-Pierre Comes - Limoges - France

 Jean-Pierre's colorful crystalline wonder-window makes a beautiful decorated envelope and the accompanying note sure feels sincere (even if I can't translate it - I can't tell what the actual letters are).  The Francais sports postage stamp is an added treat!

I realized I had not posted this other Mail Art piece from Jean-Pierre - yes, it was buried in my growing production of half completed projects.  But, here it is! I recalled it after seeing the newer one in the mail box!  Likewise, however,  I can't translate because, I can't tell what the actual letters are.  It also has a pleasant aura to it though.  And check out that "Fiftieth Anniversary of African Independents" ("Cinquantenaire des Independances Africaines" ) postage stamp.  A great commemorative!  Thanks Jean-Pierre and see you in the mail.

Heebee Post #924 - Bruno Chiarlone - Cairomont - Italy

 Some people live magical lives of Art and such is the unusually brilliant case of Bruno Chiarlone.  Bruno's very persona is Art and his hands and arms are like magical wands of Artistic Sorcery - everything he touches turns into Art!  Another great card from the Italian wizard.  Mail Art Alchemy? He does it everyday!

 I thought we should have a better look at this wild Chiarlone Artistamp. A delightfully chaotic ensemble of silhouette with colorful fragmented thoughts and images.

If truth be known, I just found this lovely postcard in a stack of current things I am working on. Apparently, from the date on the card, I have had this in my possession for nearly two months without posting! Sorry Bruno for the delay and thank you very much.  Something is on it's way to you very soon!

Heebee Post #923 - Arac - Huntsville, Alabama - USA

 "Brain in Slumber"? Hmmm..... "As our minds quiet down, we'll look into the monster's mouth of our fears and search out happiness". The monster's mouth of our fears? What a dreadful process! Is all that drama really necessary?  Not always but, most of the time, happiness is merely a choice - make it, why don't we?  .

"Trust the process" is what "Deep Thinking" thinks? I agree with Arac - Never! Use it or lose it and never trust the awful, mind-numbing "Process"!  Arac brings a confoundedly dark sense of humor (to raise public awareness, no doubt!) to Heebee Jeebeeland.  Her 'Postcard Noir' is another interesting part of her personality.  She also adds in the lower right corner, that she "Thinks 2013 will be my year"!  My dear woman, what a kind thing to say! Thank you, indeed!  The rubber stamping in the right top corner is something you don't see everyday!  See you in the mail my rebel friend!

Heebee Post #922 - Dopesick SF - Plymouth, Massachusetts - USA

 DSF sends in this infamous White House picture of the King (Elvis) meeting with the Prez (Nixon 1970).  Elvis had written a 6 page letter to then President Nixon requesting that he be appointed "Federal Agent at Large" in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs.  An actual true strange development that most folks don't know about the popular late-hipster.

DSF doubled down with a second postcard.  I expect this drug-infested zombie was exactly what Elvis had in mind to eradicate when he had his 'big idea'!  Like bacon and eggs - this set obviously goes together!  Thanks for the nostalgic entertainment Dopesick - be seeing you in the mail soon!

Heebee Post #921 - Roland Halbritter - Bad Kissingen, Bavaria - Germany

 "Badekuren" = Health Spa. It seems Roland has taken to bathing in the rejuvenating Bavarian mineral water spas. At least his card suggests that the famous German statesman, Otto von Bismarck (seated in boat), is enjoying  the luscious waters. I wish I could join him, the warm water looks great! I hope your Bavarian health excursion does you well Roland.

On the reverse side, Roland explains that this is a free postage card within Germany, but he is not so sure the free postage includes traveling to America but, voila! Here it is! I am always happy to hear from the inimitable Roland.  His projects are top notch and always classy and I have enjoyed his art blogs for years. This freebie postcard is an interesting example of Roland's lighthearted humor.  Happy New Year to you too, Herr Halbritter. May 2013 be a wonderful part of our lives! I am sorry to report that Roland's website may be in danger of ending - See for yourself:  Halbritter Mail Art.  Nevertheless, I'll be seeing you in the mail and I hope you will keep blogging - I love your sites.

Heebee Post #920 - Anna Banana - Roberts Creek, British Columbia - Canada

 Anna is well known for a variety of wonderful talents over the many years she has been an active artist. I originally was introduced to the intrepid Anna at an artist's meeting for a proposed sculpture show in the Goodman Building in San Francisco about 1980. I spoke with her about that at the Museum of Artistamps grand opening in Seattle last November. She smilingly mentioned that she didn't remember me (after all it was only 33 years ago!).  Anyway, it  was nice making friends with her at MOA!

 I do believe that I shall be taking MS. Banana's above advice (I often do it anyway).  Happy New Year to you too Anna! Love this card!

 Anna's Scientific Art Research is a gas and Anna conducts it with an Art Research Professor's demeanor - a professional and quite serious approach!

 Anna is probably best known for her stamp making abilities as she actually prints and perforates for many stamp makers. Check the quality of her work on the above commemorative sheet for Robbie (Dogfish), the curator and creator,  for the MOA opening.  As perfect as you can stand it!  I like Jas Felter's "ECUADADA" set of three in the center of the glorious sheet. What an addition to my growing collection of Aristamps.  Thank you, thank you, I love, love it!  I'm creating my own mini museum of Faux Postage myself!

 I felt an odd closeness with Anna as we chatted at the MOA.  She seemed so cool with her friendly art aura surrounding her like a force field - it was fun being inside that art shield with her for a while!  Anyway, she sent the above affirmation that she liked me too!

Anna's decorated envelopes have a distinctive appearance and I am always very delighted to pull one of these out of my mail box - like a fisherman pulling up a Chinook (King) Salmon!  Thank you very much Anna. I have something nearly ready to send out to you - another day or two!  See you in the mail . Anna Bananaland universe of art.  

Heebee Post #919 - Theo Nelson - Calgary, Alberta - Canada

 Theo's winter landscape is a pretty psychedelic affair.  I've never seen the snowy prairie transformed by the sunlight like this but, I guess these things happen. "A darkening blue spreads across the Winter snow".  I would like to see this phenomenal horizon!

 Theo's Whimsy and Colour is his own complete universe of warm, capricious paintings and poetry. This particular card is Theo's "Seasons Greetings".  Happy 2013 to you too Theo!

Theo doubled down by also sending in this "Oddily Boddily" card featuring two wonderfully weird Artistamps and, on the other side, the skin of a banana; which, apparently, someone has slipped on! Ha! See you in the mail my friend! Whimsy and Colour.

Heebee Post #918 Eduardo ZenDada Cardoso - Sines - Portugal

 Great to have the Paranormal expert, ZenDada, pay an early 2013 visit to the 4th Dimensional Promise land of Heebee Jeebee. What you see above is his "Ticket" to board his Trans-Dimensional ride.  Nice job on your transport pass Eduardo!

I will be visiting your "Anomaly" house of study very soon Eddie. Thanks for your "Ticket" art - glad you can create your own, to go anywhere. Isn't the mail a gas!  See you in the mail my old friend. Paranormal Mail Art

Heebee Post #917 - FRIPS - Ghent - Belgium

I love the way Frips' 'Art-mind' works.  The above composition slowly makes it's appeal to the viewer. In a few moments, it is almost as if a magical memory that is fleeting even as we try to keep focused upon it. Nice job!

Frips also included this photograph she took of the moody trees that look a bit imposing as we look beyond them, into a dark blue twilight sky.

Frips' cat adorns the printed block in this New Year card!  Happy New Year to you too my old friend!

I have a pretty good collection of "Fripspost" artistamps and this interesting block is a nice addition. Her perforations are her own technique and make her stamps into a style that she owns nicely.

Both sides of this incredible carefully sewn together postcard are shown here. It has an odd beauty that the eyes have to admit after some wandering.

Check out Frip's envelope decoration. I love her untamed method that invariably produces a look of something from far, far, away.  She is a champion of mail art and I relish my long time postal exchanges with her. Yeah, I gotta say it - Frips Rocks! See you in the mail my dear. Frips Mail Art.