Harley Francis (1940 - 2017) was an "
artistamp pioneer, mail artist, and painter...he had an abiding interest in all things related to philately, but especially in the creation of his own philatelic toy, Tristan Local Post. Harley was an active participant in The Local Post Collectors Society and like many other stamp creators from that branch of philately, he became the sole issuing authority of his own country, Terra Candella (Land of Light)." (from Harley's obituary).
Artistamps are basically artworks that resemble postage stamps. They tend to be the same size as stamps, but not necessarily. They are sometimes gummed on the back, but not always. They might come in sheets and be perforated, or they might not. Additionally, bragging rights are associated with getting your own stamp canceled, and all the stamps on this envelope are marked with stamped cancellations -- however, Harley's stamps are cancelled with the Terra Candella "Royal Post Office" stamp along with a date -- 29 December 2014.
Harley had a friend in my friend who resided in Louisville, and he sent an envelope covered with two circular Forever wreath stamps (still in circulation), one 5-dollar wavy red/white stamp (2012 worth about $10) and five of his own creations, all different in addition to a stamped return mail piece. The artwork on two of Harley's stamps measures 2 inches tall x 1 1/4 inches wide and are marked as .85 and .70. The printed artwork on his other three stamps measures 1 1/4 inches tall x 1 3/4 inches wide and are marked as .63. The "From" stamp measures about 4 inches x 2 1/8 inches as defined by the "From" space on the envelope.
In 1995 Harley sold his archive composed of works collected from 1975-1995 to the Clarence Ward Art Library at Oberlin College. Rarely do you see a Harley Francis Terra Candella stamp for sale, as most of them are held in collections. Note that the "From" section of the envelope carries Harley's official ""H.S.H. Harley Terra Candella" stamping with his former address. Harley often painted nudes, and the shield on this post illustrates what appears to be a male figure with a deer head/w antlers.
Truly fine specimen that deserves a good home. NOTE: The recipient of this mail was a non-smoker, and the envelope is stored in a non-smoking environment. Please note photos for details and feel free to ask questions, including shipping options.