Thursday, November 28, 2013

Heebee Post #1063 - Ka van Haasteren - The Hague - The Netherlands

 Ka's vivacious and colorfully frolicsome 'Adventures in Mail Art' are always a delight for the eyes and invariably not without a deserved chuckle or two. Above, in her "Particulars, Testimonials" it boasts "Her Excellency the Countess of Aberdeen writes: "That the Saddle has given her complete satisfaction"".  Remarkable hyperbole for the popular contraption! Ka's hand painting finishes her envelopes and cards with a great sense of capricious fun.






 Ka's versatility is easily noted with the display of  this pair of contrasting tecniques - both courageously created in Ka's fearless wide spectrum of interest.


This gig looks to be occurring inside a sort of celestial womb. Fantastic!
 The wondrous beauty of this dreamlike-hued decorated envelope is another super 'Adventure in Mail Art' from the clever Ka. The eyes seem to take a vacation as they are swept away in armchair fantasy. Stunning actually.









Now, we come to Ka's hand cut rubber stamp seen on the back of  the Saddle card. I just love this fellow, even if he does remind me a bit of  "Gort"  from the film "The Day The Earth Stood Still"

I really couldn't help but to make a comparison to Ka's Delivery man and the "Test Tower Delivery Chap" often seen on the back of my own postcards, as well as at the top of this very page. And since I am showing this, I should put to rest the rumor that the "Tart of Mail Art", Fluxus Girl, has not been forgotten and shall soon be seen playing a little larger role in Mail Art mayhem in the Realm of the Fourth Dimension (here). See you in the mail my dear Ka - Love your work! Ka van Haasteren Mail Art. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Heebee Post #1062 - RCBz - St.Clown, Minnesota - USA

 Since Op-Art, with a measure of sensuality, first assaulted my teenage psyche in the early sixties, I have always, including now, beheld it in wonder. Incredibly surrealistically appealing. Nice job Roy!





I wanted to get a little better look at this notable feature. A gorgeously important looking Special Postal Delivery Artistamp that "Secures Immediate Delivery At A Special Delivery Office". Note the tireless delivery person. Wow. This is deliciously done.
Roy's note mentions the momentous occasion that took place at Katz's Deli in NYC. If you haven't seen it, I should add that it is a hilariously and well done stunt done in tribute to "When Harry met Sally" - watch this little clip to understand:  Flash mob fake orgasm concert / Katz's Deli..  Thanks for bringing that to our attention Roy. Happy Thanksgiving everybody!  RCBz Art Blog.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Heebee Post #1061 - CT Chew - Seattle, Washington - USA

The Great Northwest has always seemed to be an inspiring and almost magical region to visit, or in my fortunate case, reside in.  A substantial part of this "magic", for me at least, is an unusual concentration of Artistamp creators of the highest, most excellent order. As if a sort of an unusual Wizard's guild - each one gathering up their unique power and skill to comprise a formidable arsenal of Philatelic phenomena and wonder for all those that find interest in the noble genre.  At the top of that elite list is non other than the astonishingly brilliant master of the art, Carl Chew - or as he humorously refers to himself above, Chew Baba. 
 I do not mean to offend the other Artistamp Wizards, as there are many whose work may arguably challenge that of Chew's exquisiteness and expertise in the field. But , I'll stand on what I have boldly noted. Check the remarkable detail, the flow, the use of negative zones and the overall dreamlike quality, comprising the vibrant and enchanting Chew universe.
 In the amazing stampsheet seen above, apparently Claudio Romeo (Dodo Dada) and Carl have comprised a "Collaboration in Progress"; which includes a few of his contemporaries.  Examine the sheet closely to reveal of whom I speak of.  Most of these beauties seem to be variations of a common theme, with some so cavalierly executed, it is difficult to tell.


Carl's Triangle Post captures this lovely, rather cabaret-ish caricature of Dame Mailarta that seems to dwell in the top portion of the Wicked Witch of the West's ominous Hourglass - or is it merely a delicate heart of love. I'll leave that for you, dear reader to decide. 

And lo, the Red Letter Day sprite herself, with her spell-casting impish appeal. Note how oddly similar this image is to my depiction of her at the top of the page, on the right. A little spooky?

 The fantastical envelope adorned with a smaller version of the stampsheet with a handsome pair of stamps taken off the collective
And finally, an official Chew Baba "Philatelicks" cancellation to complete the otherworldly package. One last remark displaying Chew's grandiose sense of humor - Much has been romanticized regarding the "Pony Express"; which was, of course, the mail delivery system across the American wild west frontier. Most folks don't realize that those daring riders and that fashion of delivery lasted less than two years (Apr.1860 - Oct.1861). Anyway, Carl's cancellation stamping includes a "Express Yourself Pony". Splendid, Carl - absolutely first rate. Please take a moment to view the full splendor of Carl's enormous body of work here: CT Chew, Artist. Thank you very much Carl and find me visiting your post box soon!

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Heebee Post #1060 - Servane Morel - Brussels - Belgium

 Oh, my lucky stars!  It has been a long while since Servane has graced the annals of Heebee Jeebeeland and here she is again folks, in full mail art majesty!  I have missed the vibrant and spellbinding universes she invariably composes with a mystically joyous nature.   These colorful characters are like giant paramecium swimming about in a swirling psychedlic Petri Dish. Each creature distinctly unique with expressions of resolve for their individual fates.



I have always marveled over the peculiar detail in which Servane installs little magnificent souls and spirits  into her 'Gardens of Delight' populous.

Servane has been on a mail art hiatus for what seems like a long while and I am utterly delighted to be the recipient of her first return to her gifted craft. I am rather fond of Servane and will admit again, I have missed her postal personality presence. Thank you very much my old friend, I love this card.  Be seeing you in the mail soon!    

Monday, November 4, 2013

Heebee Post #1059 - DC Spaulding - Lomita, California - USA

 This very interesting sheet of artistamps from clever creator DC, is an entertaining  set of "Art Disguise" portraits - one or two of, I don't recognize but, have been deemed important enough to include in the artistamp collective camaraderie.  The sheet is a perfect product - exquisitely printed and finely perforated - top-notch!
Of the various characters in the artistamp kingdom is this quizzical rendering of EF Higgins in his wrangler outfit. I had the pleasure of meeting ED at the AARPEX event in Seattle last year and really should admit that his glorious work has been a wonderful influence on me.

Thanks very much DC.for the beautiful Art Disguise stamps - My international collection of artistamps is becoming noteworthy in size.  I sure hope to see you DC, in full glory, at the XPF (Ex Postal Facto) next Feb. Time for a little fun. See you in the mail soon.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Heebee Post #1058 - Stan Askew - Pasadena, California - USA

 Stan's thick "California Dreaming" mail art package is packed with tribute for the wildly variable "Good Old Days" Californian culture - accomplished in his usual elegant style.  This vintage little "Automobile Road Map" ensemble sure hearkens back to a much less populated and congested and I do think, a much happier and easier going, Los Angeles vicinity.    
 Another glimpse of Stan's utopian California dream. I love the vibes of snapshots like these.  That ersatz little porch is a gas, only to be outdone by the fellow's fashionable tie.



His Californian theme continues with this handsome Bob's Big Boy Burgers ATC (although, Bob's were all across the country). Here, "Bob" is adorned with some of Stan's usual symbol assortment.
 More of Askew's "Loveland", this time a bit melancholy, even poignant - but, unmistakedly part of Stan's Californian woven fabric. The flipside of the ATC.






Even deeper into Stan's California Loveland theme we go with this pleasing shot of one of my favorite musicians, the late Frank Zappa! I was lucky enough to see Frank live a few times and I must say, I miss him
This is for you Frank: Peaches in Regalia (Orchestral).

 Now Stan has moved up to Northern California with two circa 1930's postcards from San Francisco. These cards are in an incredibly mint condition and a wonderful addition to my growing collection of vintage linen cards - especially of SF.  I would be remiss not to add that I have a photograph of my great grandfather Olaus standing next to a horse drawn carriage in that exact spot in about 1915.  I have been in the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park many times and have splendid memories of it.  I love Golden Gate Park and, oddly, I still dream about it rather frequently.
 And this stupendous postcard is of SF's Chinatown. Since the depiction is in the 1930's, the colorful  news bulletins posted to the walls must be soberly declaring the troubling Japanese encroachment and invasion into Manchuria and China.  This is one of the best postcards I have ever seen and in rich mint condition!
Thank you very much Stan - great package! I hope you will consider wondering up to San Francisco for the Ex Postal Facto event - would love to meet you! Till then, see ya in the mail old boy! Photo Askew.