July 1999
Joe Mussulman, artist andavidballoonist, isa professional illustrator who has createda series of paintings showingfanciful
flights into ballooning history. The culture for each work in the series has been researched and a vessel shape for the period is selected
for the balloon.
If you are harboring an implausible balloon fantasy, Joe is open to inspiration and pleased to include all the little extras that tickle
the mind. “I have such a goodtime doing it!” he explains.
Joe Mussulman, 4240W. Dakota, Tucson, AZ 85746, voice 520-883-7504, fax 520-883-3237.
the top of the painting,theglyphs read, from left to right:
Line 2. “Dawn” with a chase vehicle on the left and “Pilots” on the right facing the dawn
Line 3. “Crew” on the left and “Officials” (with thumbs up) on the right
Line 4. “Happy Witnesses,” with four concessionaires setting up to sell refreshments, food, hats, pins, and
posters
beetleonthe firstballoonisa signoflonglife.The sizeofthe balloonis giveninthe heiroglyph
ontheright sideabove the invertedpyramidbasket (105,000cu.ft.).
tothe Egyptians,thewingedimage onthe side ofthe secondballoonpredicts the shape ofthe
balloons ofthe future.
