Thank you Joe and Ilia.

Since we last "chatted' I have invented a whole new type of carving stone - and even have a patent pending. It turns out that the 'magnesium oxide' that the purists treat like 'toxic waste' in lime - is one the best cements in the world. I mix with magnesium chloride, to make magnesium oxychloride cement. This was patented in the 1850's as Sorel's cement. It is super hard at 12,000 psi, expensive, and unavailable in less than tons. So my innovation was to add a superstable foam, like whipped cream consistency, the bubbles generated by c02 gas, also add some lime putty - as a result of the recarbonation I can make a stone which is one part cement, 4 parts air bubbles. There is no sand, etc, and it carves beautifully with wood carving tools or hand grinders (dremel type bits). It looks like sandstone or limestone but is one quarter of the weight, can go outside, and is so heat/fire resistant than it can take a low cone glaze!

On cartoons I am completely sold on digital now. I have a large graphics tablet, scanner, lots of software but mostly use Corel Paint. I still take slides until the right digital camera comes along - but that is close too. I can mix photos. line drawings scale and change at any time. There is even a plotter which can automatically pounce all my lines! I mention digital output, I found an amazing printer that is
like a digital silkscreen printer, uses exterior UV cured inks, can print on anything and super results. Still getting a handle on economical pricing - this machine must have cost the company $400,000. ANyways - its all about making my next effort in fresco highly commerical - and I have no apologies to the purists who see art as some sort of cloistered religious experience, only shared with those 'in the know'.

What have you been up to Ilia - I don't see any new works? Don't make me come down to L.A. to nag you. I might start a major mural in Mexico this winter based on the beautiful, haunting old song "Angelitos Negros" has anyone heard that song? I have about 20 versions of it by different performers but I don't know how to give you all an mp3 sample. Joe - maybe you can visit - Aussies and Scots seem to love Mexico for some strange reason.

It is a plea to painters of murals to include black angels into their painting too. Of course it is no where that simple - some interpret it that angels 'with dirty faces' (past sins) can still find their way back to heaven.