ol' Roff's blog

Roff Graves True story—This evening I was having dinner with Angela and Albert at mar y tierra restr in Lodi. This nice lady said to me “My daughter thinks you are Santa Claus! I went and knelt by the little girl, speaking gently. I then returned to our table and took a dollar out of my wallet. Returning to the little girl I handed her the $1.00… bill and wished her “Merry Christmas”! Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

 On our first trip to Georgia, I guess my grandson Brandon was 13 years old, when we were spending the night in this sleezy motel. (I was never much for wasting money on a place to sleep) It must have been midnight or so when Brandon woke me up. “Grandpa, Grandpa, call 911!”. I asked Brandon what was wrong. “He is killing her! He is killing her”, Brandon replied! From the next room, we could her a woman screaming, “Oh my God, Oh my God” “Oh Oh Oh my God”. I assured Brandon that it was OK, not to worried. I had a little bit of trouble sleeping as I kept wondering how I was going to explain this to my oldest very religious Seventh Day Adventist daughter, Wendy, Brandon’s mother!

We just added Levent Isik to our gallery. Check out his fun paintings that are enroute!

Roff Graves Watch for ties to my website for a video which I expect to start producing soon. It will feature different artists, carvers, etc such as Bruce Azevedo. He will tell stories about his life in San Quentin and will be untold stories about Richard Allen Davis, the Murderer of Polly Klass—also Richard Ramirez, The Night S…talker. His personal experiences in 12 different california prisons

Roff Graves So, it was about 15 years ago when I talked my daughter and son-in-law to letting me take my 13 year old Seventh Day Adventist grandson to Atlanta with me for Folk Fest. I thought he would enjoy learning about some of the better things in life. And he thoroughly did! The wonderful women at Hooters in Amarillo loved him and pampered him, spoiling him for life!

Bruce Azevedo introduced Victor, a new artist, to our world–watch for his work–great!

I took my two grandson to see John Abdul today. I wanted them to see the only man I have ever known who had been shot point blank in the stomach with a shotgun—and lived to tell the story! I bought some more sculptures today–at a much higher price than yesterday.  John had money in his pocket today and that definitely affected his prices.  And that is true!

I am trying to get the Blog where it will take your comments–don’t know exactly how———–

I spent today with John Abduljaami in Oakland. I bought a few pieces. He has quit carving due to injuries to his wrists and shoulders, I have known John for about 15 or 16 years. He is 68, turning 69 and is getting tired like the rest of us old folks!

Life is so full of wonders. Because of the gallery I have became a friend of an old homeless man. He looks very slight and seems to be sinking. It has became such a joy in my life just to know this humble man. Today as he was leaving Burger King I said a prayer to myself asking God to take care of this gentle soul and to him I said (not aloud) “Rest in peace”.. I can’t help but wonder if I will see him again. But I know this–When I get to Heaven I will see him and perhaps I have truly helped an angel!

Kelly Moore is finally getting some of the recognition that he so much deserves! He is truly one of the best artists I have represented in 30 years!

Somerset Studio magazine published his “Artist Portfilio in the May/June 2010 edition. This magazine can be purchased at Borders book Store.