Through the centuries, professional artists of the highest caliber have temporarily entertained themselves by diverting focus from their major oeuvre, to entertain their inner-passions of one kind or another. C.

G. Simonds is no exception.

This slim volume reveals both his stinging wit and his skills as a master draughtsman. He has the ability to create powerful visual puns, raw and off the wall, reshaping our preconceived notions of such subjects as "Polly Ticks" (mouth the words), serious occupations; "Arc O' Texts," or just fun topics like, say, "Left Behind" (use your imagination.

. .

). It's worth adding that these humorous asides are a carryover from Simonds' serious Fine Art activities; he's a devoted sculptor and craftsman, fashioning his wood and cast metal fabrications into world-class works of art.

The praise for Simonds (see back cover) by Thomas Albright, an historically-important art critic and author of the definitive tome on Northern California works, "Art in the San Francisco BAY AREA 1945-80," can attest to the fact that a "Distinguished Artist" is the author of this delightful collection. .