Saturday, April 27, 2013

Heebee Post #984 - RF Cote' - Quebec, Quebec - Canada

 It has been a long while since Reg has been in Heebee Jeebeeland and he returns in good form . Above is a feature from the reverse side of the postcard, a "Stamp Duty" Artistamp pair. I like the connotation  of the background filled with screws (standard duty screws), implying that we all seem to be getting screwed in Life somehow - an eerie feeling that can be difficult to rid yourself of.  Or is the subject just saying "Screw everything"?



I know, however, that I mean "Screw it!" when I used the screw in a recent batch of Artistamps I created - shown here, in all it's splendor.  Coincidence? You know, I recently read somewhere that there are no coincidences - it's just God, winking at you!
 The striking postcard has a wonderfully created chaos that was carefully made. The effect of the metallic gold surfacing through in the bluish sections looks splendidly like an other worldly terrain - perhaps, like the floor of the 4th Dimension?  I must add that the card is thick, as if it were linoleum.  I really like the feel of that heaviness.
 Nice to have you back again after so long Reg. The reverse side of the thick card sports an assortment of Canadian postage stamps - one of which, I want to examine more closely.  See below.
This fine Canadian stamp, "Arrival of Scottish Settlers" is a 1973 issue commemorating the "Highlanders" arrival in eastern Canada.  Maybe you, gentle reader, were not too aware of the large Scottish population in Canada? Well, consider this, the eastern Canadian province where most Canadian Scotts dwell is "Nova Scotia" - which is Latin for "New Scotland"!  Thanks for the great card Reg - See ya in the mail! RF Cote' Mail Art.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Heebee Post #983 - DC Spaulding - Lomita, California - USA

 The "Jackalope Preserve" is a prime example of the  ongoing and fascinating humor of DC Spaulding. According to the well known Mail Artist, the world is continually being overwhelmed by the threat of a Jackalope takeover.
 How Jackalopes enter this country and where they even come from has baffled authorities for as long as anyone can remember.  According to this "Spring Training " card, they are becoming even more organized and determined in their resolve to occupy and rule the nation.
 The reverse side of the brilliant postcard declares that if you send Jackalope mail art to "The Preserve" You will become a member of the Jackalope Jumper Club.  "Great Jumpin' Jackalopes"  - I found that using that phrase instead of foully cursing with swear words works very nicely.
In a second postcard from the amazing DC, is this "Find the Mail Art Differences". Looking closely, I see that I am #7 in a prominent list of other well known artists around the world.  Thank you very much DC - Love these cards (as usual). See you in the mail!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Heebee Post #982 - Cascadia Artpost (Jack Lattermann) - Olympia, Washington - USA

Jack Lattermann seen hard at work creating mail art from his well stocked  Cascadia Artpost traveling kit.  This postcard was created for the popular "Mayworks" mail call, Ed Varney's  annual international event.  The theme this year was an "Artist Self Portrait" at work. The card is marked  and dated: September 2012 - Amsterdam.  He is in a hotel room - see the little coffee machine in the corner?  I love a good traveling Mail Art kit. And yes, I never leave town without similar paraphernalia!   Good show Jack!
"Mayworks" will be exhibited throughout May in the Nanaimo Art Gallery on Vancouver Island. I sure would like to drive up to the city of Vancouver and take the ferry across the channel to Nanaimo.  Sounds like a great Spring vacation to me!  If only I had the time, confound it all!  Ah well.  Thanks for the great card Jack and see ya in the mail.  Cascadia Artpost.  

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Heebee Post #981 - XX Jones - Vienna - Austria

 A daring "Mail Art Rescue" mission underway through the apocalyptic storm of modern society.  You know, I think I may have received this from Sigrid just in time!  I love the cataclysmic vibrancy of the clouds - like the background of a Michelangelo painting.  The tortured atmosphere is oddly beautiful - as if she ( I assume XX is piloting the 'copter) is entering a parallel dimension! She must have sensed my Mail Art cries for help!  This large development is 17" x 11" and gorgeously dangerous looking.                                      


I really like this "High Concept" rubber stamping.  Mail Art is at it's best when a "Cerebral Sacrifice" is made. Similar to Keith Buchholz's description of himself as a "Concept Wrangler".                        

 Another feature on the "Rescue" creation is this brilliant little Artistamp by XX.  The strangely decorated ship is to make it unidentifiable at sea - "The Adapter Pattern" was created to create an optical bizzareness that would be confusing to any enemy it might encounter.


I found this photo of the French Cruiser "Gloire" in a 1945 "Science Illustrated" magazine.   This was the  first major vessel to use the Adapter Pattern.
 Heebee Jeebeeland is quite delighted to find XX back in the 4th Dimension.  I really enjoy the spirit in which she capriciously creates. Thanks very much Sigrid and see ya in the mail.
I couldn't resist showing this Artistamp from XX - It's Felix rhe Cat!
"Felix the Cat
The wonderful, wonderful Cat.
Whenever he gets in a fix
He reaches out for his bag of tricks".
This TV show came out in 1960 and I was absolutely enchanted by him as a child. Thanks for the memory Sigrid!

Heebee Post #980 - Norbert Koczorski - Diepholz - Germany

 Now in it's 12th season,  the Kunstautomat (Art Machine) on Sterngasse (Star Alley) in Nurnberg is still enjoying it's popularity.  The Kunst Automat vows to keep art at decent prices and the 4th Dimension applauds the efforts of the artists involved.  Sometimes the Art Machine dispenser will go on visits to various museums, even internationally. The project is the brainchild of Anna Bien and Winfried Baumann. Norbert's contribution can be seen on the far left.
I am all for the Kunst Aoutomat, it is a wonderful idea.  I sure would like to see this in person and purchase an item or two as great souvenirs from my visit to Germany - At this point, I can only wish.  Traveling is a challenge for me right now.  Ah well., someday.......  Thanks Norbert, I love this card and the spirit of this fantastic project. See you in the post.  Kunst Automat site.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Heebee Post #979 - Art Tower (Gunter Schwind) - Aschaffenburg - Germany

Doesn't my cousin Art Tower look handsome and contemplative atop an article written about him and his "Head Project"..  For many years, Gunter has been painting heads. Enough heads (2,000) to construct a huge wall of them for his exhibition. He is actually in the midst of completing the "Head Project", for it will require 3,006 heads, the amount of those that perished in the 09/11 Twin Towers tragedy in NYC. Gunter was so moved by the 2001 destruction and loss of innocent lives, he has chosen to paint all 3006 of them for a grand memorial in tribute.  
It is quite stunning to see the 2,000 heads staring back at you from the huge wall created from them.  The admirable project is awesome in size and incredible to behold.
Seen above is a postcard for the event "I have a new show outside by the River Main, beneath our castle". Wow, sounds like a wonderful showing. Good luck my old friend!
Gunter created this little card commemorating the 25 years of IUOMA's existence.
The decorated envelope declares a "Rat World" with it's humorous depiction of the King Rat. Thank you very much dear cousin, your package is very entertaining.  I also enjoyed the article - must have made you happy too! See ya in the mail. Art Tower Mail Art.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Heebee Post #978 - Otto D Sherman - New York, New York - USA

 I love Otto's "First Day of Issue" official 'Otto Postage' envelopes.  Is the First Day of Issue just the artistamps seen on the outside or is it for all the stamps found within? See below.
 A handsome set of Philatelic wonders by the notorious "Stamp Man". Vivid colors and sharp images are of a grand quality. Note: The entire set is composed of politicians, with the exception of Colonel Gadhafi and and the Pope twins.
 Otto and the Queen?  Is there nothing this Artist can't do? The royal seal made me smile - good show!
 The front and back of a second envelope bearing the "First Day of Issue" title.  Interesting Papal antics - One might think 'irreverent' but, I think Otto's just having fun.
 This stout fellow would have fit into the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" with his stunning outfit of medals, jewels, and awards.
 The "Poste Vaticane" series continues with these two majestic images of the Pope. This pair of Popes are my favorites of the current batch Otto has created.



Stamp Man Products by Otto. Nice sign.

 These three outlandish War Lords are just awesome to behold.  Each one possesses character that just oozes out of their image. Other worldly and beautifully strange.
I thought a closer look at one of these gentlemen was warranted.  What a fantastic outfit! Gotta hand it to Otto - he could have a whole new career in fashion design!  Thank you very much dear Otto. I've thoroughly enjoyed your wonderful Artistamp rampage! Be seeing you quite soon in the mail old boy!  Otto Art website.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Heebee Post #977 - Fleur Helsingor - Oakland, California - USA

 I'm not really certain as to what Fleur has created here. It  has the curious appeal of a Thrift Store full of interesting  books, old vinyl records, artwork and other items of coolness that every household requires.  I would love to peruse through the treasured aisles of this mystery establishment.

Fleur left this indication of the store's unfortunate fate, on the reverse side of the "Groovy" Thrift Store  postcard.  Ah well.........    
This friendly decorated blue envelope has an IUOMA stamp I haven't seen before.(there are so many now!).  Thank you very much Fleur - Sure was nice to do some window shopping in your  "Curiousity Shop".card. Want to know more about this intrepidly versatile artist? Check here: Fleur's place

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Heebee Post #976 - Lothar Trott (Lotro Poku) - Zurich - Switzerland

 You know, as far as I can tell, Dadaism actually began in Zurich in the early 20th century - Avant Garde rejecting logic and reason out of reaction to the horrors of World War I - Still refreshing to this very day!  "Poku ist nicht Dada" - In my mind, this is hilariously far out!  Lothar has been doing this for a long, long time folks and he is very cleverly humorous in his relentless pursuit of all things Dada. "Pokuland" is well known in the long time "Eternal Network" of mail artists as Lothar's visionary kingdom, where unusual events often occur.
I have grown quite fond of Lotro's mail art antics over the years and his wonderful art always works it's way into my artistic spirit.  The zeal in which he conducts his postal Dada assault is the grand form of a legendary Mail Artist.  There is already something in the mail for you Lotro - Thanks for another piece of the big puzzle my old friend.

Heebee Post #975 - RCBz - St. Clown, Minnesota - USA

Roy sends in this rather cryptical NRA Instructress - She is sternly warning about the importance of having the lights on during sex and a gun within reach. Which demand is she making now, with that index finger?
"A well duffed Plum", (seen behind the determined woman), makes any motel 'Spring Break Central'!  Yum, yum for the certified Plum". Roy's "Plum" series continues with this playful jaunt - although she looks a little too serious for me. But, hey, to each his own. If you would like to check out more of Roy's "Plum" related work, try here:   RCBz Mail Art.  Thanks my friend.  I'm cooking something up for you - keep an eye on your Mail Oven .
And get a load of this beauty!  Incredible work Roy! Hard to take your eyes away from the stunning spectacle. Bravo!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Heebee Post #974 - Herman Kamphuis - Amsterdam - The Netherlands

 I must say - Herman has a knack for really getting under your skin.  First noted: The actual construction and fashioning this ensemble together with his wizardly assortment of glues, washes, goops and globs and various puzzling images, really makes for a finely appealing work of art on it's own right - However, being Mail Art, vaults his works into the winner's circle. Herman, like WL Philyaw, (and me?),  are well accomplished in the realm of juxtaposition - But even Philyaw and anybody else must  recognize that  Khampuis has advanced a further - nearly mystical step. The normal woman on the left becomes as if a gentle Siren - looking her loveliest and inviting you to stop, if only for a moment. Not too sure how this bit turns out after - (note the right panel). An interesting Kamphuis entrapment. More than a little entertaining!
Side two of the Mail Art features Eva as a "Book of Songs". Most times, Eva blends into her world with the banality of everyday mundane existence - But the evenings she has to own makes one wonder what kind of person Eva is.






 Suddenly, even the Name "Eva" begins to sound more adventurous, secretive, .....international intrigue!  Somethings going on with Eva alright - And don't we just love it, a universe within a universe. Kamphuis is honing down the power to fascinate - to a nearly exact science.
Thank you Herman - Love, Love Love t!  See you quite soon in the mystery, I mean Post Box!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Heebee Post #973 - Eduardo ZenDada Cardoso - Sines - Portugal

 I discovered this great hand-carved rubber stamping on the reverse side of Eddie's decorated envelope. "Paranormal Mail Art" - the best kind -  right ZenDada?
 I love the starkness of Eduardo's minimalistic universe.  So austere, like you would imagine a remote mountain Monastery to be. My favorite of the set of 3. See the other 2 below.
As a set, the three crayon studies work nicely together.
Some fresh visual poetry to titillate the mind. ZenDada strikes again!
This chaotic maelstrom, in all it's business, still seems to adhere to Eddie's minimalistic modus operandi.
This "Experimental Art" decorated envelope has that museum oddities appearance that Mail Artists often try to accomplish. Looks great Eddie. Thank you very much, my dear ZenDada - and see you in the mail! Paranormal Mail Art,