This project started with Dan sending me a box in the mail. There were modifications and additions to the project, which was then shipped to Hamilton around Jan. '07.
 The Message within the box:
Dear Mr. Hamilton,
Greetings from Peter Starback and Dan Lopes. It is unjust that our fond remembrances and admiration of you hasn’t provoked correspondence until now. The enclosed assemblage has been over a year in the making, due in large part to my dallying, but Dan and I would like to present you with the enigma. The enigma consists of a redwood and pine box constructed in Los Angeles by Dan, sent via the US Postal Service to Chapel Hill, NC to be transformed by Peter into the velvet disco bug mortuary that it is now. Also included with the enigma is the expansion pac. Several of the included photos can be enjoyed individually, or with the “Amore Overlay”. In fact, the “Amore Overlay” has been proven to improve just about any scenery, chore or television show. It is conveniently sized to carry along anywhere. So, enjoy! I, Peter, am currently employed by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a internet application development supervisor (currently supervising one other person, a premium sized nerd). I have stayed out of jail since High School. That is a story that Dan would best explain. I have continued with art, currently making fake cakes out of foam and spackle, and engaging in the hallowed Southern tradition of Yard Art, trimming some Chinese privet (a highly invasive, but highly entertaining, species) into a giant topiary tea pot and teacup. In fact, I believe that the tea pot is my most famous piece. Sorority girls stop traffic to hop out of their cars to snap photos of it. Neighbors walk their out-of-town relatives over to visit it, rednecks puzzle over it, and almost every day somebody yells at me, "I love your tea pot!"  I married a southern girl, Molly, who is both encouraging and charming. We are the caretakers of a little house built in the 50’s and of two dogs, a 13 year old puppy-faced Dobermutt and a tough little squirreler of a Jack Beagle. Dan visits often and brings his skills and his sassy personality. During his last visit, he added beautiful built-in bookshelves, mantel, and tilework to surround our wood stove. His work is admirable and tight, as seen in the fit of the enigma. Please accept our best wishes and thanks for your early encouragement and guidance - your influence continues with us to this day, and you should know that any Dan and Peter gathering provokes a conversation about what we learned from you. Send a response if so inclined. Any drawing of a walnut would be framed if received. Sincerely, Peter Starback, Chapel Hill, NC and Dan Lopes, whereabouts currently somewhere in the bay area. 206 Barclay Rd. Chapel Hill, NC. 27516  
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Earth to Moonbaby |
The Enigmaposted Mar 11, 2011 11:17 AM by Peter Starback [ updated Mar 13, 2011 7:48 AM ] |
The following is an excerpt from the response received.
"Received your uni-bomb/DADA/kunst box the other day. Thought maybe Ted
Kosinsky had tunneled out from Fed prison!! I used rubber gloves and a
butter knife to slowly pry off the cover. The "amore overlay" must have
originated in some LA moka girlie shop. Also appreciated your comments
about our past "art play" in studio J-7, UHS."