Incoming

[David Stafford]

Ground Hog Day!

And the the mailbox is bursting with exotica from around the world. I got two pieces from South Africa on the same day from two of my favorite South Africans. What are the odds?

First off from my pal in Alabama, Stephanie Blake comes a packet o’ goodies, factory-sealed and ready for a time capsule near you. Stephanie, will a shoe box do until I have my gleaming aluminum capsule finished? Stephanie’s packet includes wooden charms for your bracelet, subtle references to Ray Johnson, original artwork from the Blake archives plus the signature touches, repurposed price tag and Hello, My Name Is Sticker. She also has a cool stamp of herself which I have deployed extra times for emphasis. Stephanie and I are on the same page when it comes to branding. We could teach a joint seminar on this for interested persons. Thank you, Stephanie.

Next...from out of the low hanging skies of Pittsburgh comes a stylish envelope from Cleo aka Claire Dinsmore or vice versa.  Claire has never sent me anything so the envelope with its classic engravings and my favorite old paper color palette was extra enticing. Inside two pieces: A subtle change of address notification festooned with splendiferous cartouches. (I have a suspicion that Claire may harbor a cache of Dover Books.) And the other a sly commentary about changing pharmaceutical standards. To wit: a prescription for a calming opiate confection for children which Claire has illustrated at bottom. I thought they were ties at first and then joints and then I saw they’re all labeled “Opiate Confection.” Take only as directed. I promise. Thank you, Claire

Now the double whammy from South Africa. Cheryl Penn and Lesley Magwood Fraser or as they’re known in the provinces: The Duo from KwaZulo.  (Insert Kloofian rimshot here) First, Cheryl Penn sent me a boekie accompanied by photo of a painting and (possibly) a section of the actual painting though I stared at the larger image to find this puzzle piece to no avail. It matters not. Also the adventures of Alice in Asemicland (We always called it Asemia). The book itself is Cheryl’s deconstruction of Lewis Carroll with some offscript moments which we like. I’m always writing dialog for my characters and they’re always going offscript and dragging me along for the ride. I believe this is called the artist’s process. Thank you, Cheryl. The book is in the mail. NOT! But I am at least thinking about it.

Alright I’d like to get serious for a moment and talk about the plight of the wildebeest. For years these creatures have roamed around doing their thing. From their earliest beginnings (1957 or thereabouts) they’ve always suffered from poor rendering. After seeing my own attempts at depiction Lesley contacted me on behalf of the Wildebeests Don’t Really Look Like That Foundation. She suggested we work on a joint project to rehabilitate the image of the...you know ...or at the very least acquaint me with their general structure. She indicated indirectly that hefty fines may ensue if I didn’t go along. So anyway, here is the first installment in our voyage of discovery. These images of the Wildesbeests in their native habitat are startling in their directness and yet unlike a musty mothballed diorama the creatures seem to leap off the page and into your lap where they may cause a nasty rash. If I may quote from the Museum catalog for a moment: “Each day Fraser heads out in her dusky Landcruiser for the place where the Wildebeests are. One day she spotted Maurice Sendak at his easel, drinking vodka tonics and ...” Anyway, study these carefully. You might could learn something. Thank you, Lesley.

Thanks again everything and may all your hogs be ground to a faretheewell.

[Lesley Magwood Fraser]

Ha! The wildebeest roam in the wilds of IUOMA again..... thanks for the great blart David!

[David Stafford]

In my haste to open the envelope I may have cut corners....

[Claire (aka Cleo)]

(hmm/curious - did the Moving card arrive cut off on an angle like that? Or is it the scan?)

[Claire (aka Cleo)]

Wow, Great blog David - thanks!

[vizma bruns]

Love the Wildebest portfolio!!! David Blarted.

[Karen Champlin]

What a wonderful Blart!  Thank you David.

[David Stafford]

They're wacky, they're wild and they have synchronized their mail drops.

[De Villo Sloan]

Those wild and crazy South Africans, eh hosehead? (insert kloofian rimshot here)

[David Stafford]

I call it Blart for short

[David Stafford]

Forgot this one....