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. 

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.

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!

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!    

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.

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.

Heebee Post #1057 - Fennabee - Antwerp - Belgium

 This stunningly vibrant and classy envelope is the fabulous work of Fennabee, a clever Belgian artist making a fine debut here in Heebee Jeebeeville. Her use of various interesting paper material and paints makes for a splendidly gorgeous decorated envelope. There is a very fun, high energy quality to it - reminiscent  of a dance hall showgirl in a chorus line Can-Can troupe.  The translucent glassine envelope adds to it's colorful uniqueness.  Love, love, love it!

If you do not recognize this Italian film star, who was referred to as the "Most beautiful woman in the world" during her height in the 1950's - You should know her now. This handsomely alter-adorned card, is the visage of the statuesque Gina Lollobrigida.  Like her contemporary constituents, Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot, she was a giant in the international cinema industry and beloved by myself as a child.   
Fennebee also included this short note, expressing a desire to exchange some postal art - Well, the answer to that request is a big smiling "Yes" from me! Sending something out to you today.

I thought I might add her address from the backside of the envelope - in case anybody else might want to swap some mail art with her. Thanks Fennabee, great little package of delight. See you soon in the mail.

Heebee Post #1056 - William L. Philyaw - Shawnee, Kansas - USA

William's sensational 'playfully cruel' Halloween seasonal greeting really gets that 'spooky cool' frame of mind activated.  All Hallows Eve - A Go Go!  This sultry, cold blue-skinned, blood sipping trollop - fresh from the Wicked Beauty Salon for Witches (lovely nails!) - looks like she's on top of her game, in full vamping regalia for her favorite evening!  Thank you very much William - a superb development  and a motivator for my Halloween muse to make herself known to my mind.  In other words, I'll be sending something of the same "October Country" feel back to you in the very near future. See ya in the mail William! Addressee. 

Heebee Post #1055 - Jennie Hinchcliff (Red Letter Day) - San Francisco, California - USA

 Mr. Zip (or Zippy, if you prefer), is sure taking his postal task to heart in this remarkable postcard that Jennie created as a commemorative for the momentous occasion of the Grand Opening of the William H. Gross Gallery at the National Postal Museum in Washington DC.  This fantastic Philatelic collection is the world's largest on display and was opened to the public on Sept. 22, 2013 - and yes, Jennie was there to soak in the glory!

The National Postal Museum, a Smithsonian Institution museum, is located in the old Post Office building next to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The Museum was created by an agreement between the Smithsonian and the United States Postal Service in 1990 and opened to the public in 1993 - with the W.H.Gross Gallery completing the museum in 2013.  I borrowed the above pic from the Gallery site.

As Jennie notes on the back of the card, this also marks her first visit to the National Postal Museum.  Well, it sure is easy to detect her enthusiasm for the great event -  her excitement for it is rather infectious!  And it is with more than a little envy that I too report this colossal Philatelic featured happening.

The crowning achievement for this remarkable card is the splendid official cancellation stamping and I am quite delighted that Jennie took the time to send one of these to Heebee Jeebeeland. Thank you, dear girl, and see you in the mail! By the way, I just did send you something for the Ex Postal Facto Mail/Art/Books exhibition next Feb in SF.  And I am glad to say that I will be there as well!   Red Letter Day.

Heebee Post #1054 - Eric Bruth - Montrouge - France

"Live long and prosper".  Eric sends in this little conundrum from the familiar outer space duo. In this case, it is Kirk that works an odd logistical rationale on his old pal Spock when it is usually the other way around. Boy, do those fellows look young - these images coming from probably around 1966.

 Eric explains that this is actually an invitation to join in his mail call "We are not alone".  This is my kind of mail call and I will be happily joining in the fun.

 This busy crowd of creatures is nearly reminiscent of Noah's Ark - except there is only one each of each species. 

 The backside of the envelope is nearly featureless - except for this gorgeous Tree Frog resting languidly atop a lovely pond flower. A beautiful artistamp!  Thank you Eric and I shall be sending you something for your call in the very near future. Find Eric's Mail art here: My Mail Arty World.

Heebee Post #1053 - Bruno Chiarlone - Cairo-Montenotte - Italy

 Bruno returns to the land of the Heebee Jeebee with this remarkable  "Nebulous Passport" postcard. Upon closer inspection,  I discovered that the card was actually an altered 1942 U.S. War Correspondent identification card. The thoughtful appearing character in the center is part of the alteration as well as this odd Artistamp item:
It seems to be a plump pie with a police light protruding through the delicate Dada-crust of it's center.  "Action Poetry". I love stuff like this!

Bruno invariably has a marvelously capricious sense of fun with his artful correspondence. He will also be Master of Ceremonies for the Cavellini 2014 centenial celebration.  Can't wait for more details on that! Thanks very much Bruno - great card! More Cavellini information.

Heebee Post #1052 - David Schulze - Dallas, Texas - USA

 David's first visit to Heebee Jeebeeland looks as if it might be some kind of  "March of the Slug Lords" but is, in fact, a small feature of a much larger picture that was cut up into postcard size fragments.

I borrowed this image from David's mail art site, Mail Art Salon. The entire composition is a gloriously colorful universe created by the artist.  I couldn't find the exact painting this postcard was derived from but, I'm certain it must have been rather similar to this one shown here.

The other side reveals a curious display of postage placement as well as David's "Certified #1308" rubber stamping, declaring it an original.  You can check out his interesting technique and his Mail Art call at his Mail Art site.  Thanks for the card David and see you in the mail soon!