Interested in your Artworks
NOTE: This is an email conversation between two parties: Stan and Ed (that’s me) that took place in autumn 2016. However, it became clear in the the correspondence (later than I care to admit because it’s embarrassing so I’m not saying when! — as I was flattered, my ego swelled, plus I needed the extra cash) that it was fraudulent. Stan had trouble keeping his story straight. Yet, I continued on — to see how long it would last.
Sometimes Stan signed off as Mike [so occasionally I would address an email to Mike] and later into the exchange he addressed me as Arthur (which I signed off on intermittently), and as the dialogue continued — drifting at whim — between Stan or Mike / Ed or Arthur. The artwork to be purchased for his wife [name??] (who apparently handled the family credit card/bank and PayPal transactions) started off as a photo, then a painting, then a chicken suit (or a photo of a chicken suit — I was never quite sure. And I had both), then unknown, to a dress, to a…you’ll see.
Also of note is that midway through this electronic yarn, I informed Stan that I’d been diagnosed with a rare disease (I won’t disclose it here). First, I sincerely apologize to anyone who has or had a loved one; and/or knows someone who has suffered this horrible syndrome. Forgive me. But as this is a verbatim account of our thread — its what I happened to think of (thanks Sally Jessie Raphael![1]) on the fly — as it’s far fetched — hence medically impossible for someone to discover at my age.
Enjoy.
Sunday, Sep 11, 2016, 10:00 AM
Hello,
My name is Stan Wilm from Corpus Christi, TX. I was looking for some artwork online and i found your contact while searching. I will like to purchase some of your work for my wife as a surprise gift for our 20th anniversary. Please kindly send pics and prices of some of your art which are ready for immediate sale within price range $300- $1,200, i could be flexible with price. So I will hope to hear a lot more about any available piece in your inventory ready for immediate sale.
Thanks and best regards,
Stan Wilm.
Sunday, Sep 11, 2016, 5:28 PM
Hi Stan,
I can send photos of works but — what in particular did you see (and where?) that sparked an interest? Let me know as I work in a great deal of media and photography of my performances.
Best,
Ed
Sunday, Sep 11, 2016, 5:55 PM
Thanks for the message, I saw your work via google search. it could be any color, but medium size or large. However, I would greatly appreciate if you could possibly recommend a few completed piece within my budget $300- $1,200 ready for immediate sale… Just need something within that price range for a surprise to my wife (can tell she likes your work). I would appreciate if you can figure out a piece of work that would serve that purpose. Kindly email images and prices of any available works in that range.
Thanks,
Mike.
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016, 5:44 PM
Hi Mike,
I’ve attached 3 possible photos immediately available. 18 x 24 C Prints on archival paper / $1000 each / unframed I also have a completely different series of ‘Art For No One’ paintings (one example attached is 16 x 20) $400. Does not include shipping, handling, & insurance. Let me know and best,
Ed
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016, 5:50 PM
Thanks for the message, I must tell you I intend to give my wife a surprise with the immediate purchase of the piece (the first attached art work). If you’d like to know, I’m relocating to the Philippines soon and our wedding anniversary is fast approaching. So I’m trying to gather some good stuff to make this event a surprise. Kindly email me the asking price asap.
As regarding payment, I would like to inform you, that my wife handles the family credit card/bank and PayPal transaction. So i would authorize a check to you for the payment as soon as i have your full name and contact address (preferably for FedEx delivery no P.O box). Also, as soon as you receive the check and it clears your bank, my shipping agent who is also moving my personal effect will contact you to arrange shipping/pick up of the piece from you (this is to avoid my wife receiving it, if been shipped directly to my address which would ruin the surprise for this event). You both have to sign a proof of pick up at the most.
I would have handled this much differently if I’d been at home but i am actually going offshore and won’t be back for another couple of weeks, and do not have access to a lot of cash over here to expedite this transaction… trying to kill two birds with a stone. :-)
Have a Positive Day!
Stan
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2016, 6:47 PM
Hi Stan,
By the first piece I’m sure you mean the chicken suit which is $1000. I’ll need to price out shipping/handling + insurance charges. What address will the work be sent so I get a quote quickly? Or if I understand correctly, will your shipping agent handle the entire pick up, delivery, and insurance? Let me know and thanks,
Ed
Thursday, Sep 15, 2016, 2:32 PM
Yes my shipping company will be handling all that. Kindly send me your name and address so that the check will be mailed out to you.
Stan
Thursday, Sep 15, 2016, 2:45 PM
Send to: 3XX Bond Street, Brooklyn, NY 11XXX
Thanks!
Ed
Thursday, Sep 15, 2016, 2:51 PM
What name should be written on the check? And kindly get back to me with your phone number so that i can send you a text message once the check is mailed out
Stan
Thursday, Sep 15, 2016, 3:00 PM
Ed Woodham is good 347 35X XXXX
Ed
Thursday, Sep 15, 2016, 3:03 PM
Okay i will contact you once the check is mailed out tomorrow
Stan
Thursday, Sep 15, 2016, 3:05 PM
Great, thanks!
Ed
Friday, Sep 16, 2016, 9:33 AM
Hi Mike,
Please send me your mobile number as well.
Thanks,
Ed
Friday, Sep 16, 2016, 5:42 PM
You can kindly send me a text message at (347) 440-XXXX
Stan
Saturday, Sep 17, 2016, 1:44 AM
Dear Stan,
I’ve text messaged you several times w no response.
What’s up?
Ed
Saturday, Sep 17, 2016, 1:47 AM
Stan,
Will you send the check soon?
Ed
Saturday, Sep 17, 2016, 9:14 AM
Dear Stan,
I’m concerned. Is everything ok?
Has something happened? I’ve packed the work and it’s ready to be shipped.
Let me know,
Ed
Saturday, Sep 17, 2016, 4:44 PM
I have replied your text message sorry i have been really busy and my phone is acting up
Stan
Saturday, Sep 17, 2016, 6:34 PM
Hmmm.
Never received your text.
Was the check sent to me?
Ed
Payment
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 9:15 AM
Good morning Arthur,
Hope you are doing great. I’m very sorry the payment for the piece have remained unpaid this long. However, the check has been scheduled for delivery soon via USPS with tracking numbers: 9405501699320093785719 .
Anyway, I’d like you to have it deposited through your Bank right away, so that you can have a copy of the deposit receipt. Please note: It will clear within 24 hours, but in some exceptional cases the funds are available immediately.
A check for $2,350.00 was issued, you will be deducting $1000.00 for your artwork and be giving the remainder to the private movers coming for the pick up of the artwork from you. You would please recall that I explained in my email earlier that the shipper is also helping me move some of my properties along with the piece. Specifically, he will be moving my 1932 Ford ROADSTER and some personal effect. So, the balance on the check is cover the shipping fees.
Kindly email ASAP, so I can give you the shipper’s information and instructions on how to forward the overage funds, so they can make arrangement for an appropriate time with you to commence packaging/shipping.
Thanks and I await to read from you,
Stan
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 9:16 AM
Mike,
This is truly fantastic news and I’m so happy that you have emailed. I was pacing the floor last night here in NYC wondering if this was going to happen. I truly need this money aka check as I’ve learned this week that I have a horrible fatal disease and only 4–6 months to live. Maybe 7.
This money comes at such a good time as my life is in shambles: my home is in foreclosure, I lost my cat, and now the early dying thing…no need to say: this week sucks.
Good news aside. I’m confused by the shipping. Why is the shipping company being paid so much more than me?? Plus, I spent over 5 hours methodically packing the art myself. I also spent $500 and some change on archival shipping materials — which FYI I use on all of my artwork.
Can we adjust my payment?
Thanks in advance.
Arthur
PS Weren’t you going to text me the moment the check was sent? That part is still unclear. Please email me your mobile number to make sure you and I are always connected.
PPS How is your wife?
PPPS What’s her name?
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 10:03 AM
The private shipping company will be coming for the pick up of the dress so you will be giving the remainder of the funds to the shipping company you can deduct $1350 for yourself and give the rest to the shipping company. All you need to do once you get the check is to have it deposited into your bank account for funds to be available and you can kindly send me a text message at: 347–440-XXXX
Stan
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 10:16 AM
Ok. This is wonderful news!! Can’t wait to see photos of your wife in the dress as we discussed. She’s going to love it! What a super birthday surprise for her. She’s a lucky gal! Texting now,
Arthur
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 10:17 AM
Mike,
Did you get my texts??
Arthur
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 10:30 AM
Arthur,
I didn’t get your text message.
Stan
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 11:05 AM
Stan,
I texted again and again. No response. My phone isn’t working right. Let me know when the check will be sent. Can you call me?
Ed
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 11:29 AM
The check has been sent and will be delivered to you on Monday.
Stan
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 11:53 AM
Great! Can you call me at 347 35X XXXX. Also, what is your wife’s name. I want to include a card.
Ed
Sunday, Sep 18, 2016, 11:56 AM
Her name is Jessica Wilm.
Stan
Monday, Sep 19, 2016, 9:16 AM
Hello I just want to let you know that the check will be delivered to you today. All you need to do once you get the check is to have it deposited into your bank.
Monday, Sep 19, 2016, 9:16 AM
Hello I just received a notification from USPS that the check is now delivered to you. Kindly respond.
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 2:50 PM
Stan,
Yes, it was received and deposited into my bank. Let me know what’s next. Thanks!
Ed
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 3:14 PM
When will the funds be available in your bank account?
Stan
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 3:30 AM
It usually takes 3 days. Let me know what is next and thanks.
Ed
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 3:33 PM
The funds should be available within 24hours you will be sending the remainder to the private shipping company so that the pick up of the paining can be done as soon as possible.
Stan
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 3:35 PM
Ok. I don’t have the information for the private shipping company. When will you email me that information? Will they come to my apartment to pick up? Can I give it to them in person?
Ed
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 3:56 PM
The shipping company will be coming for the pick up of the painting once the remainder of the funds is sent to them via western union or money gram money transfer.
Name: Miller Lewis
City: TULSA,
State: OK
Zipcode: 74129
Note: You will be deducting the sending fee from the remaining $1350. I hope you know how this money transfer service works?
Stan
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 4:27 PM
Yes.
Ed
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 4:32 PM
Okay good so when will you be having it sent?
Stan
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 4:32 PM
As soon as the money is in my account.
Ed
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2016, 4:40 PM
Okay thanks fine kindly let me know once available.
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2016, 11:42 AM
I assume the funds is now available in your bank account?
Stan
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2016, 12:54 PM
Hi Stan,
I haven’t been able to check about the clearance of funds because I’m now in the emergency room at the hospital. Plus, I’m embarrassed to say that my lost cat was found yesterday. Unfortunately, my cat (who I’m sure was very upset) tore open the wrapped artwork and destroyed it — clawing, biting, and ripping it. So now once I return to my studio from the ER, I have to repaint the artwork. I’m SO sorry as this has never happened before — I promise. Please know that I want your wife (what is her name?) to have a happy birthday and will work very hard over the next few days to fix all of this mess.
I hope you understand.
Apologies,
Ed
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2016, 5:07 PM
Sorry about that. When will you check?
Stan
Thursday, Sep 22, 2016, 9:17 AM
Hello have you been able to check your bank account to see if funds are available.
Stan
Thursday, Sep 22, 2016, 5:39 PM
Stan,
I’m still in the hospital and just now seeing your message on my phone. Looks like I’ve got Progeria[2]. If it’s not one thing, it’s another! My doctor says I should be out of here on Monday and then I’ll take care of it. I’m wondering if there’s any possible chance that your shipper could meet me here and sign me out? I could then go to my bank and give him/her the funds and the package immediately. It seems I don’t know any one who is available to assist me on Monday. It’s a shot in the dark but thought I’d take the chance to see if it would be possible. I anxiously await your read.
Ed
Thursday, Sep 22, 2016, 6:18 PM
Do you have online banking so that you do an online transfer to the shipping company account?
Thursday, Sep 22, 2016, 7:10 PM
No unfortunately, I’m not very good with technology. Plus this Progeria is working a number on my energy level….I feel like I’m 100 years old or older. Fingers crossed I’m out of the hospital on Monday. You didn’t respond to my question: Is there any possibility that someone from the shipping company or your staff could sign me out of the hospital on Monday?? I need someone, and none of my family or friends are available on Monday. We could get the funds immediately if this works out. It would move things along more quickly.
Let me know please.
Ed
Thursday, Sep 22, 2016, 7:13 PM
Also. What is your wife’s name?
I can make the certificate here in the hospital.
So sorry this is happening!
Ed
Monday, Sep 26, 2016, 10:29 AM
Stan, I didn’t hear back from you! I’m out of the hospital now as predicted. The funds are available and I’m ready to do this. Anxiously awaiting your read!
Ed
Wednesday, Oct 5, 2016, 12:02 PM
Stan,
I know we had a business relationship but genuinely thought that it had developed into a personal friendship. I got to know you, your wife — Michelle, and family. I imagine that you are now in the Philippines and very busy. My Progeria is in full swing and I’m looking old-older. You won’t recognize me. I’m at home at my apartment and not in the hospital. Again, the photo of the painting of the chicken dress is packed using my very specific archival methodology and ready for pick up. The funds are available and I’m ready to do this. What’s going on? When is your wife’s birthday?
Let me know soon,
Arthur
Saturday, Oct 15, 2016, 5:17 PM
Hello how are you doing?
Stan
Saturday, Oct 15, 2016, 8:03 PM
Stan,
OMG! How are you? Are you in the Philippines yet? When is your wife’s (name??) birthday? Let me know if you are still interested.
Thanks,
Ed
Sunday, Oct 16, 2016, 3:14 AM
Ending of this month and am in Philippines now. do you still have the remainder of the funds so that you send to the shipping company so that the pick up can be done asap?
Stan
Sunday, Oct 16, 2016, 12:11 PM
Hello Stan,
Yes, but what amount did we agree that I would keep and what amount do I use for shipping?
Ed
Sunday, Oct 16, 2016, 3:23 PM
We agreed on $1000. You will be sending the remainder which is $1300 via money gram money transfer service to this information so that the pick up of the artwork.
Stan
Monday, Oct 17, 2016, 5:09 PM
Hello whats going on? Kindly respond.
Stan
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016, 12:15 PM
I’m confused.
is someone coming by today to pick up the artwork?
Ed
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2016, 4:34 PM
Yes after the funds is sent someone will be coming to pick up the artwork
Stan
Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 8:35 AM
Could you call me to assist with this? I’m very confused by the method.
Thanks,
Ed
Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 4:43 AM
I tried calling you but you not picking up kindly go ahead and send the money
Sunday, Oct 23, 2016, 11:35 AM
Hi Stan,
I was in the hospital again so must have missed your call. Will someone pick up the dress painting on Monday?? I’ll need to know what time as I need to run errands. Let me know and it will be good to have this done.
Thanks,
Ed
PS Remind me again of your wife’s name.
Monday, Oct 24, 2016, 8:13 AM
Her name is Linda Wilm. The shipping company will be coming for the pick up of the painting once the remainder of the funds is sent to them via western union or moneygram money transfer service.
Name: Miller XXXX City: TULSA State: OK Zipcode: 74129
Note: You will be deducting the sending fee from the remaining $1350. I hope you know how this money transfer service works?
Stan
kMonday, Oct 24, 2016, 8:14 AM
You will be sending the remainder of the funds to the shipper information I gave to you. so that the pick up will be done as soon as possible.
Stan
Wednesday, Oct 26, 2016, 11:11 AM
Stan,
I’m here!!
I’ve called you several times with no response. As we discussed I used the $1300 for the airfare and I’ve arrived at the Philippines airport with the photo painting chicken dress wrapped in my special archival methodology. Please let me know where to meet you!
Ed
Wednesday, Oct 26, 2016, 5:17 PM
Stan?
Ed
[1] Sally Jessy Raphael is best known for hosting the television talk show, The Sally Jessy Raphael Show (later shortened to Sally), which ran in first-run syndication from October 17, 1983, to May 24, 2002
[2] Progeria is an extremely rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder in which symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at a very early age.