ol' Roff's blog

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.

Sorry, but I am having a hard time working this blog!
I have recently purchased some more paintings but my favorite is Jimmy Sudduth’s Train. It makes you want to hop right on board!

I truly believe that Selva Prieto Salazar is one of the best artists and story tellers that I ever encountered and folks, I have been doing this for at least 30 to 35 years. I am very happy to represent her!
Please check out her blog http://www.retableros.blogspot.com/
Also please check out the Ex votos that I have enroute!

Some great Jimmy Sudduths paintings just arrived and some are enroute. I pay well for good Sudduth paintings.
I knew Jimmy, O.C. (Sebo) and the lovely tiny Georgia well. I hope to represent them through out the rest of my life.
They richly enhanced my life!

Good Sunday Morning Kathy

I woke up early this morning thinking about this. I so very much appreciate the conversation I had over the phone with you.

I have been buying and trying to sell folk art since the early 1980s. My gallery is located in a town where a Thomas Kincaid print is considered a masterpiece and a Clementine Hunter piece is a joke.

I started doing Folk Fest in Atlanta in 1996. I became a regular in the show (their Western gallery) for 6 or 7 years. It wore me and my pickup out. I traveled the deep south buying. Much of the time I had my young grandson, Brandon with me.

We got to know Jimmy Sudduth well–also Bernice Sims, Buddy Snipes, Rev Finster, and others. (I have stayed at the Slotins’s home)I think they loved my grandson so darn much. I could tell so many stories.

The one thing I never quite overcame is the friendly old country boy gallery versus the sophisticated big city
gallery. In fact, one of my major customers was in New York or Chicago at a gallery and he mentioned me. The gallery owner kind of sneered and replied something to the affect that I was way beneath her. I believe my customer’s daughter had a kind word with her in that regard.

I now have the greatest customers in the United States (I do not sell abroad). I have renowned authors, doctors and attorneys, preachers, teachers, and many others. I truly care for each. I will place my “Country Postage Stamp”
gallery along side of any big city gallery and let my customer choose!

Now regarding the two long narrow paintings you are looking at, there is no question about them being Sudduths.
The question is”will they better your collection”. If you already have good Sudduths, then I would probably forget about filling a long narrow space and concentrate on a great Sudduth for my collection. It is your choice.

I so much appreciate your phone call. I don’t think I have ever written this long of a letter to a potential customer before.

olRoff

I have repeatedly stated that I would not add another artist but after several hours studying the Espressionist work of
Vanda Hawkins (VanHawkArts)I decided to jump right in with another. I think her Gypsy paintings hooked me. I could write a book about my Gypsy dealings as a State of California Investigator.

Anyway, take a look. I have a feeling that Vanda will be with us a long time.