Nico-lepsy by David Stafford (Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member David Stafford (Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA)

October 2, 2014 - I am thrilled to share with IUOMA friends an instant classic by mail-art master of witticism David Stafford. Many of you are doubtless familiar with David’s incredible and seemingly effortless parody, satire, and wordplay – not to mention his wonderful “serious” work as well. This particular piece unites wordplay and image to create an amazingly relevant, multi-level message. David Stafford’s work here speaks for itself, of course, although I can clarify a few references. Necco is this:

Inside the envelope from David Stafford was this miniature photo:

It all comes to fruition on the reverse side:

The coin is included by me to help indicate the very small size of the “wafer.” The Nico who has emerged from the Necco must surely be the Nico of Velvet Underground and Andy Warhol factory fame:

I think this is a wonderful piece that certainly speaks to mail-artists: Andy Warhol and his circle are always common ground, a shared vocabulary, or so it seems. Especially among those who feel a connection to Ray Johnson, sometimes – indeed – it seems forever 1966 (more or less) in mail-art land with Warhol in his heyday, Fluxus in ascension, etc. etc., some remembered or wished for moment when everything seemed possible or somebody loudly announcing it was all impossible. Or at least that is what some claim it was. I wouldn’t know; I was not there. But I do thank David Stafford for providing a smile with this FAB work as well as some substance and heft to consider.

[De Villo Sloan]

I also considered calling it Necco-philia.

[Rebecca Guyver]

Vintage David! Love it!  Am smiling and it's pulling my stitches.