Skybridge Studios

2011-12-31T09:16:00.004-05:00

Chikanobu (1838-1912)

It doesn't matter if you are in Farmland, Indiana or NewYork City.

When you have a launched a kite into the sky, and standquietly holding the line in hand, feeling the tension of the line and thebreeze, you are one step closer to heaven.

Collaborative vispo work in progress...

2011-12-28T07:14:00.000-05:00

"Collection Plate"

This is a work that is included in my upcoming chapter for another ongoing collaborative project.

Here are a couple more:

"Lost & Found"

"The Veil"

"Seeing"

This piece includes a quote from G.K. Chesterton: "If you look at a thing nine hundred and ninety nine times, you are perfectly safe. I fyou look at it a thousandth time, you are in danger of seeing it for the first time."

***

Huge Thanks to Keith Bates + K-Type

for creating the fonts used in this series!

These are all still works in progress...

Comments and constructive criticism welcome.

***

PS: Everything gets Mixed Up When you put it in Order

Here's a link to an interesting article from the poetry foundation that I meant to include some time ago. Raymond Danowski collected a huge library, and I'd love to visit for a couple weeks. The collection has to be organized, though in a way I find it sad that while that happens, something is lost... The Mixed Up Files of Raymond Danowski. The greater good and all that.

Book Cover Mail Art by David Stafford

2011-12-21T09:38:00.001-05:00

Here's another example that was recently received from David. If you missed the previous post on recycled book jackets as mail art, you can see it here.

These stories were published in the early 20thc, nice pictorial boards. But the recycled covers *do* make very nice mail art. And the flash fiction that's been incorporated is hilarious. You'll spew adianoeta for hours!

Many thanks to my friend David Stafford who created this gem and mailed it to me!

A Very Larry Christmas from Bill Whorrall

2011-12-13T17:47:00.001-05:00

A surprise to hear again from Bill Whorrall, and the Holiday Gift included in the envelope was most welcome. Pretty cool that he didn't put a street address on the envelope and it was still delivered to my home! Bill's photography is getting to me in a good Republic of Indiana way.

When I moved to Indiana, a friend from the Indiana Historical Society told me I needed to "embrace my Hoosier-ness." I had no idea what that meant, then he allowed that no matter how long I lived here that since I wasn't born in Indiana I couldn't really ever expect to be a "real" Hoosier... and I've come to find out that he was right about that. Oh well!

...here's Bill's secret: it's The Christmas Spirit.

HAVE A VERY LARRY CHRISTMAS

Photography / Writings & Drawings / 16pp.

Have a Very Larry Christmas / by Bill Whorrall

Photography, Drawings, Poetry, and Other Stuff

Of course I can't give it all away here... but you get a taste for the direct close-to-the-bone flavor of this holiday treat. I don't know if he has them available for sale, but they'd be worth much more than whatever he asks. Thank you, Bill!

Tactile Redacted Po-Editry from Alsace / Japan

2011-11-27T07:03:00.001-05:00

Do you love receiving mail from distant countries?

Always beginning with the mystery: what does the envelope conceal?

What postal markings inform this magical messenger?

Should you sit down before opening this envelope with a cup of tea and old friend cat on the sofa, or tear into it as soon as it's removed from the chilly mailbox and separated from the mundane circulars, marketing come-ons, and other worldly business matters?
Yes. Yes. Yes.

Crossed Out Sleeve Marie Wintzer

What does it mean to you?

Interior conversation? Overheard or unheard?

Circular discussion... we've been 'round here before...?

Darkness makes the winter too long.
The redacted text is from Chapter 21, "Rebecca" of The man who mistook his wife for a hat and other clinical tales by author and neurologist Oliver W. Sacks.

2011-11-25T09:35:00.000-05:00

The individual, man as a man, man as a brain, if you like, interests me more than what he makes, because I've noticed that most artists only repeat themselves.

MARCEL DUCHAMP

Update: Bill Whorrall Correspondence

2011-11-14T09:41:00.001-05:00

The second, third, and fourth images are items I received after sending email to Bill to let him know I'd posted the Southern Buddhists book (October 30 blog). Although he said he wasn't sending much in the way of MailArt these days, he was keeping busy with his photography, and said he'd send me what he had laying around. So I'm glad I received a couple issues of Republic of Indiana since they aren't likely to be produced again.
Obviously the redbird is the envelope front, the mockingbird on the reverse. He included a super booklet containing a dozen or so fantastic photographic images, and the Lotto game. His artistamps add so much to this fantastically stamped envelope. My heart jumped when I saw it in the mailbox... wasn't expecting anything so soon.
I've included some of the xerography from earlier correspondence with Bill (he's pictured on the left in the first image). A distinctive midwest shot in the arm to the mail art world.
Many thanks, Bill!

Board? Book Covers as Mail Art!

2011-11-13T15:19:00.001-05:00

This is a piece of mail art I created from a book cover (a single front or back cover board) for a Mail Art Call titled "Journey to the East."

It shows a giant's hand offering maps in the form of an atlas, from the library check out pocket of the book "Gulliver's Travels."

This was a very fun piece to receive in the mail! I received this from IUOMA member Jen Staggs of Dallas, TX. I think the PO was confused by the stamps on both sides, as none of the first class postage was canceled!

This is the most recent book cover mail art piece I've received, and is also from an IUOMA member, Nancy Bell Scott. I love the antique book board, textured and marbled papers that are probably from late 19th c. What a fantastic contrast from the opposite side which features vintage US postage and lots of wonderful cancellations from the Southern ME post office.
Mail Art isn't always about receiving masterpieces of art in the mail. There's always that open invitation for the Post Office to participate in the process. Your envelope, postage stamps, artistamps, significant cancellation marks and date posted / date received elements may be equally important to the artwork you post!
Here's a link to the IUOMA blogpost that spurred this post to life! If you're not already a member of this MA ning, it's a great time to join as MA will include celebration of its Third Anniversary. IUOMA is 3!

For Judith Heartsong's Studio Collaborative

2011-11-03T16:29:00.001-04:00

Detail 1/3 of "What the Flowers Said in the Garden."

Ink on 300# D'Arches watercolor paper, 4.75 x 30.5".

Below you can see the entire tri-fold piece.

Detail 2/3

Detail 3/3

Trashpo Book: On The Road with Southern Buddhists

2011-10-30T13:01:00.002-04:00

I hope Bill Whorral gets to see this!

He'd surely get a kick out of seeing his bumper stickers transformed into this little book.

When I moved to Indiana in 1995, Bill was one of the first artists I didn't meet.

That is, in person. We exchanged artwork through the mail.

He created many books of compiled artwork from artists the world over and added spicy, healthy doses of humor from his Southern Indiana home town of Shoals (it's near Loogootee).

The orange Buddha is My Co-Pilot page that this book is constructed around is artwork that he produced. The rest is ephemera, mail art bits, photos, and color samples I created for other projects that I'd just not gotten around to tossing into the trash.

Lately though, "Trash-poetics" have been finding their way into the mail art stream and changing my mind about all kinds of garbage. ;)

In any case, he mailed me a bright orange 8.5x11 sheet of paper with the "Southern Buddhists bumper stickers" ... and though it's been 16 long years, I think it's held up very well!

Thanks Bill!

Indiana may never accept me as one of its own (even though my 7gg is IN pioneer William Conner) I will always remember the warm mail art welcome you gave me!

Above on the right is a Sunday School attendance card.

It hinges to the right and underneath that you can read the entire centerfold bumpersticker: "In Case of Enlightenment This Vehicle Will Be Abandoned. Courtesy of the Southern Buddhist Monastery."

If you guessed or recognized the map, yes it is the State of Indiana.

Or as Bill would interpret it, "The Republic of Indiana."

postcards from the edge -- Benefit for Visual AIDS

2011-10-28T05:04:00.002-04:00

Call for Artists

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=c9164d5fc1da60b77cbacaa9b&id=77e645496d&e=54acf2d546

Accordion Book -- Making Tracks

2011-10-25T19:09:00.001-04:00

A photo of work in progress on the second tiny edition -8- little books. Part of an ongoing project with a group of international artists.
The title and interior text blocks were printed on cedar veneer. The marching squirrels were inspired by the work of the artist who created the art icons in the font purchased to use for the front cover. These small book projects have been great learning experiences. Through this I'm finding confidence to make tracks toward discovering my own style. I've been experimenting with all kinds of materials and techniques over the past year.
Here's the final:

Belka + Strelka Fluxus Exhibit in Taganrog, Russia

2011-10-24T07:29:00.000-04:00

Svetlana Pesetskaya shared this photo of the IUOMAAsemic project #4. The exhibit is at the Museum of Russia in the city ofTaganrog and includes mail art and artist books as part of the PARALLELINTERNATIONAL PROJECT MAIL - АРТА.Asemic project is ongoing at IUOMA and is being curated by artists Cheryl Pennand De Villo Sloan.

Many thanks for creating a beautiful exhibit to SvetlanaPesetskaya and Victoria Barvenko, both Fluxus artists known for theirperformance work as Belka & Strelka.

***

Recycler's Home

2011-10-18T16:48:00.002-04:00

We met a person this weekend who lives in a home that is made from all recycled and salvaged materials. Well, she did win a KitchenAid stand mixer and grain attachment from participating in a recipe contest. The mixer was the second place prize.
She also runs an antique/secondhand store out of this location, and she is brilliant at presenting the items she has for sale. She couldn't stand the way people would paw through the books (many publisher's bindings) so she began wrapping them in bond paper and attaching a photograph of the title so people didn't need to open them until they were certain they were interested in purchasing.
She has many interesting stories about dumpster diving (once she got 500 dozen eggs). She says you would not believe what people throw out, and I'm not going to contradict her. Another friend and dumpster diver recently came home with a relatively new Apple computer.
Not the least of these interesting stories she has is that she will be raffling off her building / business / contents within the next year as her doctor has told her Alzheimer's disease is progressing to the point where she will not be able to live independently much longer. Now this sounded like the Robert Duvall film "Get Low." She is having a huge sale of her antiques/secondhand this weekend and I'll be going over there tomorrow to help her get started on evaluating her book collection, in the event she has some collectible/valuable titles among her collection. She loves books and takes such good care of things. In return I get to review/purchase her ephemera collection pre-sale.
I hope she'll allow me to share some of her stories, as she has many compelling and colorful items to share. She has been a lay-pastor, a truck driver, a chef, and has childhood stories that are charming and hair raising in equal parts.
If nothing else, perhaps she will allow me to post her guidelines to the house/business raffle. Will be back tomorrow with news/pictures...
******* Update *******
Stopped by on Wednesday with a few photos / books to return to her and wound up staying about half the day. Went through the books which were interesting but no big surprises. Showed her how to set up a blog, and organize her photos. She already has experience selling online using Craigslist, so I think she's going to be putting her new laptop to work!
The walls have been papered over with vintage magazine pages, and the front room she covered with cloth and paper trim. My photo of that turned out blurry, but at least I caught a detail of the hallway, (lightswitch and battery station) so you can see the paperwork!
Her kitchen is very interesting... she has Jenn-Aire gas range/cooktop and oven, and though you can't see very well behind the dish storage divider, the refrigerator, counter are covered in recycled barn wood. The dining room table is actually a recycled/refinished barn door. Everything has been repurposed and done quite well.

I will be helping her to self-publish a book she has written, and I'm sure you'll hear about that project next spring!

Mail Art Artifacts

2011-09-01T11:15:00.001-04:00

Baby Nous Cult Mystery

Asemics 16 #4 - Structure is a Tetratetraflexagon

2011-08-22T06:41:00.011-04:00

30-second YT video:

Click here to see how it works!

This first image shows two copies on the scanner, the rabbit being the "front cover" of what you'll see first. I scanned flat pagespreads, but you'll hold and fold it as if you are reading a book, only turning the pages from the inside gutter out.

You've probably figured it out already, but just in case follow these steps:
1. Turn the book over so that the tape is in the back... these are pages 1 and 2.
2. Push pages 1 and 2 backwards toward each other as if you were bending a book back against its spine. As the pages go back, the center may begin to separate. Slip your thumbs inside the crack that appears in the center and gently pull open the book to reveal pages 3 and 4.

3. Repeat by folding pages 3 and 4 back toward each other. Slip your thumbs into the crack that appears in the center of the fold and open the book again to pages 5 and 6.
To fold the book reverse the process reaching to the back of the book and pull the separating pages at the back of the book forward. Repeat the process to get back to pages 1 and 2.

It only sounds complicated, once you've discovered the "secret" it's just fun to fold and unfold.

DE VILLO SLOAN TALKS ABOUT THE PROJECT:

Asemics 16 Collaborative Mail-Art Book Project

INTRODUCTION

The global mail-art network, which evolved from art practices in the United States and Europe in the 1960s, has for decades served as a conduit for visual-verbal forms. Mail-art’s close ties to the Fluxus movement have unquestionably strengthened this connection. Vital work long-nurtured by the network includes concrete poetry, visual poetry, haptic and object poetry as well as the fairly esoteric yet endlessly fascinating practice of asemic writing.

In May 2011, South African artist Cheryl Penn launched an ambitious collaborative mail-art book project encompassing four editions. I have been greatly honored to coordinate the project with her. The International Union of Mail-Artists (IUOMA), founded by Ruud Janssen of the Netherlands, has served as an ideal virtual headquarters for an effort that involves many artists from around the globe.

Through Asemics 16, Penn has sought to chronicle the work of contemporary asemic writers in the mail-art network, to encourage other artists to explore asemic writing, and to push the boundaries of current practice. Thus you will find in this edition work by asemic writers who are well-known in the field. You will also find artists who work in collage, painting, photography, and conceptual art, among others. By crossing traditional boundaries they have produced extraordinarily innovative contributions.

The realm of asemic writing includes the invention of imaginary languages with corresponding symbols and systems for their arrangement. Asemic writing suggests a language, might at times reveal traces of known language, but ultimately cannot be read as any existing language or extinct language that has been recorded. Through the absence, discontinuity or disruption of conventional signification, new meanings and realizations are made possible. Visual and material elements of written language are brought to the forefront.

Depending upon the approach taken by the individual artists in Asemics 16 – Edition 1, asemic writing can be wondrously simple or intriguingly complex. Some of the artists found inspiration in the scrawling of young children seeking to mimic the writing they have seen but not yet mastered; some delved into personal symbol systems they first created as children themselves.

Other contributors have made asemic signs and syntax from found material and asemic-suggestive shapes in nature. Some have delved into prehistoric glyphs and ancient texts; others have drawn inspiration from street art. The result in Asemics 16 is a vast, global dialog of human expression not constrained by time, space or language.

Asemic writing is also a medium that can be illuminated and explained through advanced cultural theory in fields including semiotics and linguistics. It addresses deeply philosophical questions involving indeterminacy, incomprehensibility, and meta-language. This edition with all its visual richness brings us together in the shared experience of being human and our relationship to the world.

De Villo Sloan

August 8, 2011

Auburn, New York, USA

Payne's Restaurant -- Gas City, IN

2011-08-07T16:12:00.014-04:00

We visited Stephen Payne's Restaurant in Gas City, Indiana today, especially to pick up another pound of his excellent espresso roast.

Michael blogged an excellent post about our trip on Coffee Messiah... take a look!

Just look at the luscious crema on that shot!

"Payne's Reaction" ...a treat for your eyes *and* tastebuds!

Deeelicious!!!

The outside seating area wraps around the building and offers lots of nooks and crannies for visitors to enjoy their dining experience.

There's even a small fenced in play area/sandbox for the little ones, so this is definitely a family friendly place.

It's a 45-minute drive for us to get here; and sure SBUX has a nearby presence, but there's no comparison.

Payne's has better service, food, atmosphere.

The freshness and quality of the food puts chain restaurants to shame! The service and presentation makes you feel valued and appreciated as a customer.

Stephen came to Indiana (from Scotland?) as a James Dean fan, and purchased land near the annual James Dean festival site to build his restaurant.

Now that we've found this culinary oasis, we'll be enjoying the seasonal selections; the locally-sourced and organic ingredients on a more frequent basis.

Nice people!

Ficus strangulensis, Pajandrum of Blorchistan

2011-08-02T16:11:00.002-04:00

Last week was also an A#1 Mail Art week... I was the lucky recipient of handwritten letters, ATCs, PCs, artistamps, paintings, cards, *vintage postage* and assorted other goods that remind me why I continue to abide in the IUOMA's brand of eternal network during even pedestrian times.
Though it's also caused me to question why I or anyone feels the need to belong to a group; mail art, that Eternal Network, is ultimately whatever you shape your network to be.
However! Ficus has generously armed me with visual treats that will get me through the dog days of summer. And there'll be plenty left to keep me warm and entertained as the seasons change. There's nothing quite like trying to take a look at the world through a scientists eyes. Craazy good.
Thanks, Fike.

Mail Art from Atte Ourie in Finland

2011-08-02T15:45:00.006-04:00

Like many people, I have favorite books that I return to and re-read. It's comforting, like a visit with a long-time friend.

          Savoring the situations, phrases, the careful building of the plot... and now I've received mail art of that caliber. I'll be enjoying these pieces, puzzling over the content, deciphering, wondering, wandering and returning to my archives to look at these again and again.
          No, I've never met Atte Ourie, and won't try to discover who this mysterious artist might be. It's very pleasant to have received these works, and you can see there is no return address that would allow me to send something even though I might want to do so.
          Whether viewed as visual poetry, a mathematic puzzle, a mystery of archaeology, or any other interpretation promises to provide a wealth of enjoyment over time.
                         * * *

Main Entry:	mysterious
Part of Speech:	adjective
Definition:	secret, concealed
Synonyms:	abstruse, alchemistic, arcane, astrological, baffling, cabalistic, covert, cryptic, curious, dark, difficult, enigmatic, enigmatical, equivocal, esoteric, furtive, hidden, impenetrable, incomprehensible, inexplicable, inscrutable, insoluble, magical, mystical, mystifying, necromantic, obscure, occult, oracular, perplexing, puzzling, recondite, secretive, sphinxlike, spiritual, strange, subjective, symbolic, transcendental, uncanny, unfathomable, unknowable, unknown, unnatural, veiled, weird
Notes:	mysterious means of an obscure nature, while mystical means having a divine meaning that transcends human understanding

Saturday I received another card that I think of as the table of contents, from Atte Ourie:

Atte Ourie: Many thanks for the continuation!

Riverwash: the past is present thanks to David Stafford

2011-08-02T14:24:00.001-04:00

That sensational marketing trendspotter, DAVID STAFFORD is at it again. And he knows how to get those spots o-u-t!

Stafford confidently crosses ripples in the pond of time with Fortune's vortex in his hip pocket.
Happy Days Are Here Again! It looks as if the pick-up-and-drop-off service has not yet been implemented, but the local Starbucks will soon be giving way to the community oven... surely the Burro-Brite-Wash and Self-Serve Campfire Grilling Station is not far behind.
The catalog of Stafford's work is impressive. If you've been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of his inspired writings and witty constructions, consider yourself lucky. This artist is surfing success and riding giants when not trendspotting the latest styles.

There's nothing dull or repetitive about his work. His wicked command of language and typography, coupled with his mastery in directing the theater of the absurd puts a sharp point on national, international, and galactic concerns.

And no subject escapes this Renaissance man's golden touch:

Count on this worthy Citizen (hasn't declared his 2012 candidacy for POTUS ...yet) to farm the essence of mail art's frontier with an unrelenting and steely gaze:

*(See Marie Wintzer's 30 June 2011 IUOMA blog.)
What will the future bring? This artist has the inside track... he has been an IUOMA Celebrity Guest Psychic on a number of occasions.
          Think of a number between 1 and oh, a billion. Ask him to guess what number you are thinking of.
          Go ahead.
          I bet he has already emailed you the answer.

Asemic stitchery from Marie Wintzer

2011-08-02T14:10:00.000-04:00

Arrived yesterday from Marie. Her envelopes are always gloriously ethereal.

This book is written in silk thread on raw silk with interfacing (!) between the pages.
          Raw edges.
          Knots.
          So much harmony among the stitches and knots. They co-exist without apparent conflict.

There was a helpful note showing me the starting point. Would I have been lost without it?
Stitched conversations, sometimes thoughtful, some taking decidedly strong directions and then swooping loops like ideas that have room to meander.
          Thread holding knots together like mountain climbers in Kurosawa's Dreams.
          Reaching the end you discover that by turning it the conversation continues, like a visit with a friend you haven't seen in a long time. Every which way beautiful.
          Thanks, Marie!

Variations on a barcode Op. 017 by Dean Marks of Paris, France

2011-08-02T13:35:00.001-04:00

This is the first time I've received mail from Dean, but I hope it's not the last!

and the opposite number:

          Barcodes are human, too.
Wise Geek says:
The primary difference between a barcode and RFDI is that an RFDI is a microchip that is attached to or embedded inside a product's packaging, making it much more secure and less likely to be illegible or be removed. A barcode is usually printed on a product's label and can be smudged or removed before it can be used.
          Technologies and uses for RFDIs are improving every day. It is possible for an RFDI tag to be embedded in a family pet to allow a veterinarian to immediately access information about the animal if it is found or wanders away from home. Barcode technology allows us to track items into and out of inventory, but will not assist in medical emergencies or track lost pets the way that an RFDI microchip can.
          I love how aging technologies become art object-ified.
Like these!
Can you add other examples?
Thanks, Dean!

LaVona is here now!

2011-08-02T13:32:00.003-04:00

I received a wonderful contribution to the Textile Mail Art Gallery from LaVona -- she included some great extra mail art pieces (above) and graphics with her work. I was happy to see that she joined IUOMA yesterday. Visit her blog... LaVona's Blog

Ongoing Conversation from Alicia Starr

2011-08-02T13:29:00.005-04:00

I've gazed into the abyss today as far as the I of my limited interpretive abilities can C.
          Can't help but think that one of these characters in this conversation is just about to deliver a punchline! Pow! Right in the kisser!?
          Um...really!?
          Two shades of red film defines ground action against the painted backdrop ...and a giant N add to the tension. Could it be an approaching deadline? Or am I imagining Rubylith and Chartpak?
          I turned the card upside down wondering if the word "ever" has been painted over, or is part of Never?
          Hahaha.

...I needed a little help to shift my perspective on this card!

Soooo... another look:

          The answer was Starr-ing me right in the face. And there's a hidden smile!

          Hahaha! Certainly made me smile! There is a lot going on here, but it didn't phase my postal carrier even though the card shows the wrong street name. The beauty of +4.
          I like this... a lot. Thanks Alicia and I'm looking forward to exchanging artwork with you.

Friendly Greeting from Frieder

2011-08-02T13:28:00.001-04:00

Multi-talented artist Frieder Speck is someone you definitely want in your personal Mail Art Network. I've been fortunate enough to receive some very nice work from him and I'm pleased to share it here with you.
Here is the back side of the card:

Recently he posted an image on his IUOMA page of his studio workspace, showing a linoleum carving project he was working on. Beautiful carving! We're also both involved with the Asemic project(s) that are underway.
Thanks, Frieder for the drawings and collage/print!

A Rare & Beautiful Window Collage from Cathérine Petré

2011-08-02T13:27:00.002-04:00

When you are holding this you can see through the central portion of "postal window" ... this clear, cool gel section literally holds the piece together. Soft cotton shadowed by the asemic pencil treatment on cotton paper.
Images and photographs don't do her work justice -- this is something you want to hold in your hands for a long time. She indicates it's a beginning.
Cathérine may be new to the IUOMA Ning, but she communicates through art with elegant style that tells me she knows how to find her way.

Expectations... from Richard C.

2011-08-02T13:25:00.000-04:00

The first thing that I thought of upon receiving this card from Richard C was this quote by Mark Twain:

"Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream."

I don't know why that popped into my head.

Coincidentally or because I'd just read a biographical sketch about Aimee Semple MacPherson.

Weird. A good mail day.

Thanks, Richard.

Heeeey ...a warm thought painting from Laurence Roberts!

2011-08-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

What a great surprise to find a lovely painting from Laurence in the mail this week. Laurence is recovering from recent health setback and I am encouraged to believe he's turned a corner that puts him firmly back on the sunny side of the street.
The painting exudes depth, warmth, and to me generally imparts happiness. I'm always happy to catch a glimpse of Laurence's mystical work, and though it's selfish to say so I'm glad this is MINE!
Thank you Laurence, and I and many others continue to send positive energy and lots of lovely mail your way, too!

...robin lost his pretty feathers! -- from Patricia Sahertian

2011-08-02T13:18:00.000-04:00

Beautiful collage received from Patricia Serhertian this week ... the papers she's used and the loss/grief depicted is part of an ongoing theme in our correspondance. Could not be more appropriate, coming from the Curator and driving force behind the recent ABAD-Phoenix exhibit.
If you missed it, do take a few minutes to explore the wonderful documentation she presents here. There's a link to the exhibit photos in the box at top left of the page.

For me?! ....a first from IUOMA member Kerry Jeffrey

2011-08-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

This is the first time I've received mail art from Kerry!
          Actually, I think this is intended for the Textile Mail Art Gallery and I'll be posting it there later today. This is a wonderful letterpress glyph printed on cotton rag paper with collaged postal elements. Kerry, correct me if I'm wrong!
          What a beauty and clever idea to use the subtle textile canvas as a submission to the call. Many thanks.
          And it's time to remind everyone send your textile artwork to the call. The Textile Mail Art Call will wrap up at the end of August. Please stop by and see the many wonderful submissions received. I'll be working on documentation for the final online exhibit that I plan to have completed as the exhibit is shown later this fall. Please contact me for details, or simply send to the exhibit.
Event Info Here!
Thanks again Kerry -- will be sending your way soon.
Thanks Ruud/TAM for support of my call!

Gravity Rules from Theo Nelson!

2011-08-02T13:03:00.001-04:00

Received an envelope filled with treasures from Theo last week!
Oceans of clean, clear color, a wealth of his charming and inviting artworks. I immediately thought of Milton Glaser... yeah! Happy days of advertising, but truly a master at his work. Am looking forward to sending Theo a return package. Have made a first-pass through the studio to select that round trip ticket!
Thanks so much and looking forward to many future exchanges, Theo.

Ficus strangulensis, Pajandrum of Blorchistan

2011-08-02T12:52:00.001-04:00

Last week was also an A#1 Mail Art week... I was the lucky recipient of handwritten letters, ATCs, PCs, artistamps, paintings, cards, *vintage postage* and assorted other goods that remind me why I continue to abide in the IUOMA's brand of eternal network during even pedestrian times.
          Though it's also caused me to question why I or anyone feels the need to belong to a group; mail art, that Eternal Network, is ultimately whatever you shape your network to be.
          I've discovered even the most interesting and permissive groups have pop-up demigods who delight in hogging bandwidth and/or take every opportunity to exploit the group resources. Which just dulls my creative receptors.
          That's a digression. Sorry.
          However! Ficus has generously armed me with visual treats that will get me through the dog days of summer. And there'll be plenty left to keep me warm and entertained as the seasons change. There's nothing quite like trying to take a look at the world through a scientists eyes. Craazy good.
Thanks, Fike.

2011-07-24T16:45:00.000-04:00

CALL FOR VISUAL POETRY, PUBLICATIONS, and MAIL ART USING TEXT.
“ WRITE NOW: ARTISTS AND LETTERFORMS”
I’ve been asked to curate an exhibition of visual poetry for the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture. Please send works in all their forms, Visual Poetry, Asemic Writing, Publications, Mail Art,
Objects, … Anything Text Based or using Text as a point of departure.

Venue: The Chicago Rooms Galleries of the Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago Illinois.

These public galleries are visited by thousands of people per year, and are one of the Primary public exhibition spaces in downtown Chicago. Following the Exhibition all work will become part of a large public archive project in Chicago.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS : SEPTEMBER 15, 2011
Opening: Friday, September 30, 5.30 - 7.30
Exhibit runs Through January 8th, 2012

SEND TO :

“WRITE NOW” VISUAL POETRY
Keith A. Buchholz / Curator
c/o Nathan Mason, Chicago Rooms
The Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602 USA

Zentangle by Cajun Hillbilly (for Me!)

2011-07-13T11:34:00.000-04:00

Zentangle by Cajun Hillbilly

Calling these lovely drawings "doodles" as I've seen them referred to on the Interwebz is really a disservice. This is a beautiful pen and pencil drawing that I'm proud to own! Thanks CH.

Sztuke Fabryka

2011-07-13T04:51:00.000-04:00

Sztuka Fabryka

I received a nice packet of mailed art from Sztuka Fabryka the other day.

Geert De Decker's Studio, Sztuka Fabryka, turns out exciting work, my favorite being the Urban Shrines. Next to architecture, public art is underrated. What art do you walk by on a daily basis?

I found them on Facebook and received a beautiful message and subsequent mail from Geert. This reminds me how important it is to visit and appreciate my own neighborhood... and that includes virtual neighborhoods.

...........

> Yesterday was Sunday but we have been painting all day with new artwork / There is still time to prepare artwork for free gifts and stickers for the number 300 on our Facebook page / Maybe we should do this more often / /

..

> Ayer, aunque era domingo hemos estado pintando todo el día unas nuevas obras de arte / Aún hay tiempo para preparar obras de arte gratis, regalos y pegatinas para el número 300 de nuestra página de Facebook / Tal vez deberíamos hacer esto más a menudo //

...........

Book for CajunH

2011-07-03T11:41:00.000-04:00

On the way to an artist who will give this blank book

a new home and purpose in life!

Book Collaboration with ND in Belgium

2011-06-27T08:45:00.003-04:00

The top is the cover for the book, and included are some examples of the work I created as part of the collaborative. The cover has had some additional rubberstamp images added since the photo was taken, and I'll update the blogpost with that photo when I receive it.
Some of the images were scanned before they were bound into the book. Others you can see as they appear inside the book. The inside back cover has added structure in the addition of a polyester window that has several painted pieces between it and the inside back cover. They shift and can be manipulated by the viewer.
There were five additional artists who submitted work for this collaborative piece. The binding is lambskin, similar treatment to another recent work of mine for "Heart Matters,"which you can see in a later post.

Heart Matters for Cheryl Penn

2011-06-19T15:15:00.002-04:00

This is the box to house the booklet "Heart Matters" ...a sort of collaboration with Cheryl, who lives in S. Africa.

Here's a look at the booklet, which I've bound very simply in a soft lambskin. The Heart cutout shows a portion of the envelope I received from Cheryl with her invitation to participate in this project.

The leather tab allow you to gently remove the booklet from its housing. Michael took some additional pictures of the project!

2011-06-08T17:32:00.001-04:00

My role in society, or any artist's or poet's role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.

JOHN LENNON

Today's post was inspired by: Chris Weige's Post on Asemics

ATC Swaps / Info / Resources

2011-05-29T13:37:00.003-04:00

http://www.webring.org/hub/atcartisttrading

Teacher in France Jean-François Vigeon MAIL ART CALL

2011-05-29T13:33:00.001-04:00

First of all, I hope so much this translation will be nice! I'm waiting for my summer holidays to reply....

I am a school teacher in Echillais - Charente-Maritime - in CM2. For the second year my students and I will be happy to correspond with you in the universal spirit of mail art.

First of all, thank you to all mail-artists who participated to our previous calls from the month of November 2010. Two of them are now closed since May 31, 2011. They are: "The school yesterday and today" and "Africa in all its states." Two others will continue the adventure until December 31, 2011 Post: "The Sun Will he go to the Moon? "And" Fairies, Witches, Monsters, Inc. ... "

Today, we offer new calls. Make your choice or, for our greatest pleasure, let yourself be tempted by all these proposals. In addition, we love surprises, so if any of these topics do you feel about ... send what you like, reply guaranteed!

Jean-François VIGEON 1 Allèe de la Choisière 17620 ECHILLAIS - FRANCE

No jury, no return, no sale. A4 maximum. Technical and support free (envelope or not, volume, paper, cardboard, wood etc ...). Receiver and timbre on the exposed face. Deadline: May 31, 2012 before our second show scheduled for June 2012 in Echillais then in Rochefort-sur-Mer.

The list of works will be sent to each participant by mail (INCLUDE in your send YOUR E-MAIL please)

Photographs of works will be on the blog: http://plus-beaux-les-echanges.over-blog.com.

Call 1: WATER worldwide in liquid, solid or gaseous. It is: Source of life (or death when it is polluted) and source of inequality. It is purifying ritual, original, precious but not inexhaustible: we must preserve it ... and post it now!

Call 2: Animal or vegetable (or both, it depends!) The fauna and flora (real or imagined) are welcome in our Postal Ark (of Noah)

Call 3: A Votre bon coeur Messieurs Dames! Who rubs it gets stuck! Draw, paint or paste-matter there must be a heart in your shipment. To you to put your own or just when your soul!

Call 4: Taste and Travel (distant relatives or ...). Dream destination or destinations of dreams, mail art elsewhere. Share with us your meals experiences , traveling (whether in the bakery next door or across the end of the world) and for once odors can mix the colors of your creations postcards. Yum-yum !

Call 5: Freedom-Peace: two strong messages to post today!

Call 6: Means of transport. On foot, horseback, car or even faster ... all at the speed of a letter mailed.

THANKS to all those who are willing to respond to these calls !!!!!!!

THANKS also to talk about you. See you soon!

JF Vigeon and CM2 pupils

Laura Russell's Call -- Uncommon Threads: The Handicrafts in Book Arts

2011-05-24T18:17:00.001-04:00

After taking some criticism for Uncommon Threads I have edited our call for entries. As you all know, content and concept in artist books have always been very important to me and to 23 Sandy Gallery. But, apparently I left that out of the call for entries which greatly offended someone. I see this as a direct challenge to prove that we can find a happy marriage between craft and content. Please help by creating some really terrific works for this show!

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Uncommon Threads: The Handicrafts in Book Arts
Exhibition dates: September 23 - October 29, 2011
Location: 23 Sandy Gallery, Portland, Oregon
Deadline for Entries: August 18, 2011

THEME - One of the best aspects of working in the field of book and paper arts is the chance to work with such varied artistic materials and techniques—even traditional handicraft techniques. Think of knitting, embroidery, sewing, beading, felting, needlework, stitching, quilting and any other myriad possibilities. Combine these techniques or materials with a strong concept, meaningful content, a story to tell or a compelling narrative and we have a new era in the book and paper arts.

Uncommon Threads seeks artist books and other forms of book and paper art that utilize handicraft techniques, materials or subjects as a way to round out, illustrate or compliment a central concept. Remember, it’s not just about the materials or techniques. Let’s dispel the myth that the handicrafts can’t have any part in meaningful art.

MEDIA - This exhibit is open to hand crafted book and paper arts related works created as either edition or one-of-a-kind. Artist books, sculptural books, book objects, altered books, zines, broadsides and sculptural pieces are all encouraged. Any medium, any style, any size.

AWARDS - Three artists will receive "Best of Show Awards" which will include a certificate and special marketing blitz focusing on their work. One artist will receive a "Library Choice Award" which will be awarded based on ballots cast by our library and museum customers and will also receive a certificate and marketing blitz.

DEADLINE – Submissions are due no later than August 13, 2011

INFO – A complete call for entries for Uncommon Threads can be found here:
http://www.23sandy.com/uncommon_threads/callforentries.html

Thank you!

*****************************
Laura Russell

Mail Art from Marie Wintzer

2011-05-17T16:02:00.002-04:00

OVER THE MOUNTAIN BRIGHT THE FULL WHITE MOON NOW SMILES... ON THE FLOWER-THIEF
ISSA

Visit this artist at: Marie's Mail Box

Googly Eye ATC

2011-05-15T15:40:00.000-04:00

You have the most beautiful eyes.

2011-05-08T18:07:00.000-04:00

This was posted last week, no idea if it arrived at

its intended destination. Part fortune telling,

music, technology and other elements.

ATCs for a Loteria Swap

2011-05-01T16:00:00.000-04:00

Hans Braumüller's MA Call: CORN

2011-04-27T07:52:00.000-04:00

This is what I sent to Hans for his call:

*****

Please send everything about corn

What means corn for our civilization today? What means Mon810 from Monsanto? About these and other questions is this mail art project to support a humanity without gen food and against speculation using nature resources for particular interests of big business.

No Return – No Selection – No Jury

All works, information and resources will be published in http://corn.crosses.net/

Only Mail Art by email, please send to

contact@crosses.net

Subject: Corn E-Mail Art Project

Please do not forget to put your website address in your submission.

Thank you!

2011 FB GlueBook Scans for Lisa

2011-03-26T11:35:00.000-04:00

2011 FB GlueBook Scans for Michael

2011-03-26T11:31:00.000-04:00

2011 FB GlueBook Scans for Shelley

2011-03-26T11:29:00.000-04:00

There are additional pages that were not scanned... just to give you something more to look forward to!

2011 FB GlueBook Scans for Jayne

2011-03-26T11:26:00.000-04:00

2011-03-20T08:12:00.000-04:00

I Am What I Am

2011-03-15T18:20:00.002-04:00

Japan Red Cross organization

2011-03-07T18:39:00.001-05:00

For Reed Altemus / Hannah Hoch Fan Club.

2011-03-07T13:06:00.002-05:00

Coffee /Ken Nordine

More than 80. Much more than 80...

2011-02-25T17:22:00.000-05:00

Change

It's never quite so easy or just black and white.

Carl Chew's Homage to BuzZ Blurr

2011-02-22T09:07:00.000-05:00

Fluxus Chicago

2011-02-20T17:22:00.001-05:00

UPDATE:

Here's the link for 2012 Fluxfest in Chicago!!! Don't miss it!

Although we missed most of the performance events, it was exciting to meet so many fine artists and reconnect with people. We arrived at the Museum of Contemporary Art just as performances were finishing on Saturday. Not too late to appreciate the hard work and exhibits that had taken place, including the pile of piano that was still very much evident in the lobby of MCA.

...then on to Bill and Darlene's Rubberstamp Museum at their gallery/headquarters for Stampland for the Open House. Picasso Gaglione and Darlene Domel opened their doors for us. Bill patiently explained the process of rubberstamp production and allowed me to experience making a large FLUXUS CHICAGO stamp that he gave to me to keep. James trimmed and Darlene mounted the stamp, and finally it was tucked into my hands as a gift. Wonderful friends.

Bill's work was recently included in a show at the Minnesota Center for the Book. He had his most current project of Fluxus boxes on display:

You can see the Fractal Portrait on the wall in this photo:

Vulcanizers for making rubberstamps:

and over to FEED for dinner:

2011-01-31T14:32:00.001-05:00

TIMOTHY ELY The Open Hand Discovers

This image is of an amazing work by Tim Ely that is on display through mid April at Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. If you can get there to see this I certainly envy you!

Tim Ely's Amazing Artist Books
also read this Seattle P-I reader's blog:
Seattle Book Patrol Archives December 2010 Tim Ely

Mail Art Call: Thierry Tillier's Charleroi 1911-2011 Mail Art / Industry & Culture

2011-01-29T06:06:00.000-05:00

http://charleroi1911-2011.blogspot.com/p/mail-art-star-charleroi-1984.html

French Paper Company -- Innovative, High Quality, and FUN Paper Merchant

2011-01-26T05:50:00.000-05:00

While perusing my magazine collection I discovered a series of advertising pieces from the French Paper Company, Niles Michigan. These ads are perfect little pop culture ATCs, and I have removed them from the magazines so I can keep them in a folder to admire from time to time.
They are Green!
I didn't realize that they also published Pop Ink books designed by Charles S. Anderson Design Company: books, journals, notecards and more. Sure enough I found a copy of Fluffy Humpy Poopy Puppy was already on my shelf.
As my friend Diane says, "there's no shame in my game" ...I'm proud of my interest in pop culture... a longtime fan of Archie McPhee (when they were still on Stone Way N.) and their quirky catalog and store. That's another story.
Shop at French Paper Company!
I don't know if they have a storefront, but I'd love to shop at FPC, and meet the family that is dedicated to paper and publishing! Below you'll see nine sets of the cards
Great (Freakin'Awesome) Blog!
Here's an feast of eye candy:

2011-01-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

2011-01-16T08:24:00.001-05:00

Symphony for Arkansas

2011-01-13T13:58:00.000-05:00

A gift from the Mail Art Ambassador of Venice, Tiziana Baracchi. A great stamp sheet!

Thank you to the Embassy, Tiziana Baracchi and Giancarlo Da Lio for this lovely gift.

2011-01-12T10:39:00.000-05:00

RoundCircleBlogspot Mail Art Tales

Letterwriting Week. No Resolutions except to find suggestions for good books.

2011-01-01T12:32:00.002-05:00


Coolposters.wordpress.com\

A few of my favorites that I've read this year:

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

And everything by Jasper Fforde:

All the Thursday Next novels (The Eyre Affair, Lost in a Good Book, The Well of Lost Plots, Something Rotten, First Among Sequels, and soon-to-be-published One of Our Thursdays is Missing)

and the Nursery Crime Series:

Also read Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Wartime Writings 1939-1944.

These aren't the only books I read this year, of course. There was a long string of trade mystery over the summer months, interspersed with James Cowan's book A Mapmaker's Dream: The Meditations of Fra Mauro, Cartographer to the Court of Venice, and Miles Harvey's book Island of Lost Maps.

What's your favorite book... the one that you read, re-read, and come back to read again?

Goddess Art

2010-12-29T13:39:00.002-05:00

In April 2011, EtStudio celebrates the 4 year anniversary of starting the Goddess Mail Art call of fabulouso Creative Exchange. We have had submissions from 25 countries and one magnificent art show - and we will have the FIFTH ANNIVERSARY show of Goddess art and artist trading cards this SPRING!
WOOHOO
All art will be posted and shown on the blog -- see below, and artist trading cards will be exchanged.
1. Please send us your Goddess mail art, AND/OR six original (6) ATCs— a set of 6, or 6 versions of your work.
All cards submitted will be displayed in the SPRING show, (venue to be decided.)
2. Please include with your 6 card ATC submission: a pre-stamped return envelope (SASE), your contact information, including e-mail (if possible) and 1 page maximum about you and the way you made your work-- tell us a little about yourself & discuss your techniques and tools, and your image content.
3. Do you live outside the USA?
Don’t worry about return postage, send us something fun-- ephemera from your country, or even an extra ATC. We’ll pay the return postage. it’s easier that way.

Display Closing: Mid-August 2011, after which you will receive 6 trades mailed back!
For More Information, please contact Emily Townsend/11750 Carmel Drive/Lakewood, Colorado, 80215, USA.

http://goddessy-art.livejournal.com/

May we Honor the Goddess in all HER forms!

Mail Art Call: Utopia/Dystopia

2010-12-28T14:02:00.000-05:00

UTOPIA/DYSTOPIA
Please create a mini flux box. I would like to see your utopia and/or dystopia in a box or tin. It can be like a diorama or a flux-kit--however you like to work... or find your own style and way to express an idea. Nothing bigger than a cigar box please. Show will be summer of 2011. Send to :
UTOPIA/DYSTOPIA
c/o Jennifer Kosharek
665 Jasmine Way South
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
All work will be included in the show. Work deadline is June 1, 2011.

Some food for thought gleaned from Wikipedia:
Utopia (pronounced /juːˈtoʊpiə/) is a name for an ideal community or society possessing a perfect socio-politico-legal system.^[1] The word was invented by Sir Thomas More for his 1516 book Utopia, describing a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean. The term has been used to describe both intentional communities that attempted to create an ideal society, and fictional societies portrayed in literature.
A dystopia (from Ancient Greek: δυσ-: bad-, ill- and Ancient Greek: τόπος: place, landscape) (alternatively, cacotopia,^[1] or anti-utopia) is, in literature, an often futuristic society that has degraded into a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian. Dystopian literature has underlying cautionary tones, warning society that if we continue to live how we do, this will be the consequence. A dystopia is, thus, regarded as a sort of negative utopia and is often characterized by an authoritarian or totalitarian form of government. Dystopias usually feature different kinds of repressive social control systems, a lack or total absence of individual freedoms and expressions and constant states of warfare or violence. Dystopias often explore the concept of technology going "too far" and how humans individually and en masse use technology. A dystopian society is also often characterized by mass poverty for most of its inhabitants and a large military-like police force.

A Call for Good Eats in Kalamazoo!

2010-12-28T12:03:00.001-05:00

Call for Entries—
“Good Eats: An Exhibit About Food”

The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center (KBAC) announces a call to artists for the juried exhibition “Good Eats: An Exhibit About Food” which will be held in the KBAC Gallery, April 1–29, 2011.

From Dutch still-life paintings to Campbell’s soup cans, our obsession with food is a readymade subject for art! Open to all emerging and established artists, this exhibition will feature two-dimensional works of art—fine prints, paintings, and collages—that incorporate food in their subject. There is no charge to participate.

Artists may submit two entries for consideration in the exhibit. Submissions must be sent as jpeg files via email to info@kalbookarts.org by February 25, 2011. Digital files must be limited to 72 dpi jpegs with a maximum pixel dimension of 1200 in either direction. Please submit artist’s name, dimensions, media, email address, and phone number with emailed entry. The maximum dimension for framed work is 36” in either direction. KBAC Director Jeff Abshear and Studio Coordinator Katie Platte will choose the works for the exhibit. Artists will be informed of the decision by March 4, 2011.

This exhibit will share it’s grand opening with our Sixth Annual Edible Book Festival on April Fools Day, 2011. This is one of our largest events and typically draws up to 500 people guaranteeing an excellent audience for the “Good Eats” opening. You can see details about this event on our website: www.kazoobookarts.com

Works selected for the show must arrive at the KBAC via mail or hand delivery by March 25, 2011. Work delivered late will not be included in the exhibit. All work must be framed and ready for hanging. Expenses for shipping and return of work are the responsibility of the artist. All work must be shipped in a reusable carton, and must include stamps or a personal check to cover return postage. Make checks payable to the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center. Work without sufficient postage may not be returned. Ship selected work to:
Kalamazoo Book Arts Center

326 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Suite 103A

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Although care will be taken in the handling and display of the work, the KBAC is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft during transit and exhibition. The KBAC reserves the right to reproduce images of submitted work for publicity purposes. A 20% commission will be charged for all sales made through the KBAC Gallery.

The opening for the exhibition will be April 1, 2011 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Work will be returned by mail, or available for pick up, after April 29. Hand delivered work not picked up by May 31 become the property of the KBAC and may be disposed of at our discretion.

For more information please call the KBAC Gallery at 269-373-4938 or email info@kalbookarts.org. Please include the attached form when shipping selected entries for the exhibit.

ENTRY FORM

All entries must be received by Friday, March 25, 2011, at 5 p.m., by mail or hand delivery.

Artist:

Title:

Medium:

Year: Price:

Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Phone:

Email:

Kalamazoo Book Arts Center

326 W. Kalamazoo Avenue, Suite 103A

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

269-373-4938

info@kalbookarts.org

GEORGE MACIUNAS AND BEYOND : FLUXUS NEVER STOPS

2010-12-20T08:15:00.000-05:00

I sent an artwork to Keith for this, but neglected to photograph it! I think it's because I was so excited about the textile component. And I made my own rope especially for this piece. The flax (I think it was flax) was gathered locally. Anyway:

***

A CALL FOR MAIL ART WORKS : TEXTILE 11 / KAUNAS BIENNIAL , LITHUANIA

“ GEORGE MACIUNAS AND BEYOND : FLUXUS NEVER STOPS “

In conjunction with the Kaunas Biennial, I have been asked to curate an exhibition relating to the history and current activities of FLUXUS artists and affiliates. As part of the exhibition, I am putting out a call for work to the mail art community. As the Biennial is Fiber / Textile oriented, keep this in mind when you are creating work to send … The concept for the show is as broad as you can make it. Postcards, Artist stamps, Visual Poetry, Zine Work, Stickers, Anything ……

The show’s title “GEORGE MACIUNAS AND BEYOND : FLUXUS NEVER STOPS” relates in part to an homage of George in his hometown, Kaunas, and a celebration of his “local hero” status, as well as an exposure of continuity in the FLUXUS community . Pease send works no larger than A4 paper size, and include your Name and contact info on back. Documentation to all .

DEADLINE FOR SENDING WORKS IS JUNE 31ST, 2011
SHIP TO :
KAUNAS BIENNIAL / FLUXUS
c/o Keith A. Buchholz / curator
3449 Hartford
St. Louis, Mo. 63118
U.S.A.

2010-12-17T18:45:00.000-05:00

 A man said to the universe:
 "Sir I exist!"
 "However," replied the universe,
 "The fact has not created in me
 A sense of obligation."

-- Stephen Crane Urban Spaceman

Bifidus Jones -- Haptic Library Card Detail for Marie

2010-12-14T17:57:00.001-05:00

Click on the image to increase size.

2010-12-13T10:25:00.001-05:00

Visible Trash - Art into Action is a traveling guerrilla art action designed to raise awareness about trash. There are two parts to the project: the postcards and the installations. The postcards will form the core of each new installation and will travel accordingly.

Installations will happen sporadically in random public and private spaces as opportunities present themselves, organized by individuals or groups. The postcards will be the starting point for each installation but it can grow from there. New postcards will be added to the project as they’re received.

Contact Trashbaby if you’re interested in organizing an installation.

Trashbaby will be in Paris doing a guerrilla street performance on Friday November 26th 2010.

Anyone can participate in the postcard part of the project by mailing in one small original piece of work, which will be collected and exhibited as part of each new installation.

Your piece will become part of the project so will not be returned to you, but all participation will be documented on this site and you’ll be kept informed of the project’s evolution. There may also be a printed catalog someday, we’ll see.

Theme: trash

Format: standard postcard size

You can make your piece out of trash, or just make it about trash, whatever that word evokes for you. If you can send it openly through the mail as a postcard, great. If not, putting it in an envelope is ok too. Remember, the trashier the better!

Send your work to:

Little Shiva c/o Tillier

Rue du Gouvernement, 8

6000, Charleroi

BELGIUM

2010-12-12T19:03:00.010-05:00

When the creations of a genius collide

with the mind of a layman,

and produce an empty sound,

there is no doubt as to which is at fault.

--Salvador Dali

IVOR CUTLER "Barabadaba"

2010-12-11T17:19:00.003-05:00

“A minister asked a little boy how to get to the Post Office. After the little boy told him, the minister said, Why don't you come to church tonight? I'm giving instructions on how to get to heaven. After thinking a minute, the boy replied, I don't think so. You don't even know how to get to the Post Office.”

I Am What I Am -- Adrian Balew/Prophet Omega

Mail Art Call: Big Love for this Wild Life

2010-12-10T08:51:00.003-05:00

Show your Big Love for this Wild Life - wherever, however, and with whomever you find it - by sending your awesome art on a wild journey through the mail.

WildLife
c/o Laura Hensley
1924 1st Street SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

No returns, but all mail art will be permanently archived at blogspot and exhibited at a local art event.

Deadline: October 29, 2011

Submitted for Mail Art Call: All That Jazz!!! Still No Freedom???

2010-12-09T11:59:00.003-05:00

ALL THAT JAZZ !!!
& STILL NO FREEDOM ???

will be the new FRIOUR project. Personally I don't know any music that embodies more the thirst for freedom than jazz music. Jazz includes the notions of improvisations and excitement. It liberated the soul and hearts of many, opened new roads and ways of playing music and listening to music. In recent years I've become a huge jazz fan and became even friends with a few Belgian jazz musicians, attending concerts and festivals as much as I could.
Despite all that jazz there is little room for improvisation in business life, personal life and society as a whole. Do people need a worldwide crisis to be controlled?
Blow all fear away and send your contributions for the next Friour Review issue.
Free medium. Maximum size: A4.

Deadline is 31 December 2010.

Mail to:

Friour #11, all that Jazz & still no Freedom

Guido Vermeulen, Vinçottestreet 81, B-1030 Brussels, BELGIUM

Signsstones@yahoo.com http://friour.multiply.com
AllThatJazzandStillNoFreedom???

2010-12-06T06:11:00.003-05:00

For Art Tower's Fluxus Affair.

Crow
In response to Jon Foster in Winston Salem, NC. Thanks for Giving Peas a Chance.

Salome
To David Stafford in Santa Fe, NM.

2010-12-03T18:13:00.000-05:00

Mail Art Recipe Call ...

The Museum of Ornamental Post East Gallery and Cafe is putting out the call for your recipes ... be they for pies, desserts, poetry, mail art or disaster ... or you can just send us your best food p0rn...

Exhibit to run from September 1st to October 1st
( with the possibility of a run at CAR in Rawdon Quebec )

The best recipes of the show will be assembled into a Mail Art cookbook for all participants.

Gallery opening / Wine and Spicy Chocolate Social will be Sunday September 13th at 15:00 in the East Gallery Cafe. (Sorry S, I know )

Admission is free (restricted to 18+) but contributions to the wine and chocolate stash are always welcome.

Send your entries to the Museum of Ornamental Post
457 Craven Road
Toronto, ON
Canada
M4L 2Z5

The Museum of Ornamental Post is a member of Sma:LL, the Small Museum Association: Little and Lively.

For more information email us at museumofornamentalpost@hotmail.com

2010-12-02T07:19:00.000-05:00

Within the framework of 4th edition of
PUERTAS ABIERTAS
EL BAJO - CALLS
---- MAIL ART ----

Subject: Open doors
Measures: 10x15cm. - Postal
Libre technique
Date Limit: 30-Sep-2011
Without Jury Without Selection
The works will not be given back
Happening to comprise of the file
of art mail of “EL BAJO”.

The received works will be exposed
in 5th Edition of Open Doors
November of 2011
And in grafismosdelbajo.blogspot.com

Sends your work by postal mail a
Primera Junta 902 – 2º
B1642DZF - San Isidro – Prov. Bs. As. Argentina
EL BAJO: Sol Pedrosa/Samuel Montalvetti

2010-11-27T08:31:00.001-05:00

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable." — C.S. Lewis

2010-11-23T07:14:00.001-05:00

After the rain,

the empty mountain

at dusk

is full of autumn air.

A bright moon

shines between the pines;

The clear spring water

glides over the rocks.

Bamboo leaves rustling —

the washer-girls bound home.

Water lilies swaying —

a fisher-boat goes down.

Never mind that

spring plants are no longer green.

I am here to stay

my noble friends!

--wang wei

2010-11-22T13:18:00.001-05:00

The best way to prove a fool wrong is to let him have his way.

To severely restrict his folly will invite him to always believe that his way would have been right.

Crazy stitches for Jen

2010-11-16T17:54:00.000-05:00

Adorable and with a timely visit from a Cat!

Here's another:

One last one:

Hm, how about that... another Cat!

2010-11-06T17:55:00.008-04:00

throw your dreams into space
like a kite,
and you do not know what
it will bring back, a new life,
a new friend, a new love,
a new country.

--anais nin

October 24 Morning

2010-10-25T13:03:00.002-04:00

Garden of Love

I went to the Garden of Love,
And saw what I never had seen;
A Chapel was built in the midst,
Where I used to play on the green.

And the gates of this Chapel were shut
And "Thou shalt not," writ over the door;
So I turned to the Garden of Love
That so many sweet flowers bore.

And I saw it was filled with graves,
And tombstones where flowers should be;
And priests in black gowns were walking their rounds,
And binding with briars my joys and desires.

---William Blake

Ginko treads the sky

2010-10-25T11:54:00.003-04:00

Geothe's Ginko

Secret Garden

Fall Morning October 24 2010

2010-10-25T11:30:00.003-04:00

There's a certain slant of light,

On winter afternoons,

That oppresses, like the weight

Of cathedral tunes.

Heavenly hurt it gives us;

We can find no scar,

But internal difference

Where the meanings are.

None may teach it anything,

'Tis the seal, despair,-

An imperial affliction

Sent us of the air.

When it comes, the landscape listens,

Shadows hold their breath;

When it goes, 't is like the distance

On the look of death.

---Emily Dickinson

2010-10-24T09:58:00.006-04:00

We are defined by
objects of our desire.

The Black Cat

2010-10-24T09:45:00.004-04:00

He skillfully
hides his excitement,
but is betrayed by
the twitching of
his big toe.

Letter Writing Month

2010-08-15T17:58:00.006-04:00

I'm writing a letter.

...and I'm thinking of a number between one and one hundred... what is it?

2-3

http://www.mailartmeeting.com/home.html

Liberation

2010-08-07T09:15:00.002-04:00

The relief you experience here is not
your own personal pardon, but the release of others from your rigid expectations.

Like a hot air balloon, you will rise to new heights as you cast the heavy sandbags of resentments and restrictions away from you.

Feel the lightness of being that results from forgiving others and accepting them as they are.

Free yourself of the endless vigil of policing the behavior of others.

See them for who they are, not what they can or can't do for you.

Sideshow

2010-05-27T17:16:00.001-04:00

At the Circus

Calder

Big Mac

2010-05-22T09:40:00.006-04:00

Oh Well

Backbar at
The Palace Bar and Grill
in Dyersville, IA.

Lunch last Saturday was a delicious revelation... while eating and eavesdropping we overheard the latest news:

The Field of Dreams is for sale.

There was speculation we were in town to buy.

We were there for the burger.
If they continue to build it, we will come.

Peter Green's version is better, but I had my reasons for this version... someone will know why.

2010-05-08T13:52:00.003-04:00

Little Wing / Hendrix

Revere the reverent, honor the honorable,
Be dutiful to he who does his duty.
But don’t help one who does you harm,
Or give your heart to one who loves you not.
Leave him who does not care for you,
Who would without a thought abandon you.
Finding that the tree has no fruit,
The wise bird flies off into the big wide world.

2010-05-06T19:30:00.008-04:00

Kinks/SunnyAfternoon

What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector?

The taxidermist takes only your skin.

~Mark Twain, Notebook, 1902

it's in the air...

2010-05-04T08:13:00.017-04:00

Wind Cries Mary -- Hendrix 1967 Stockholm

are they falling, not falling? this I would ask

of him who has seen them, and returns homesick

from that country steeped in flowers

THE CHERRY BLOSSOM IN HEIAN WAKA POETRY

Remembering, discovering, uncovering history...

2010-04-25T09:03:00.007-04:00

More from Arizona
and what we don't learn we're doomed to repeat?
More from Arizona
...or maybe just forget where we put it?

Message for you...

2010-04-22T09:05:00.006-04:00

Scrolls by my front door... by the time you get here you'll be able to read the leaves and forsee the future.

The door is open.

no coffee for you

2010-04-09T10:07:00.004-04:00

New Harmony, IN ...just in case you want to have an espresso while sitting on the sidewalk to take a break from all the lovely antique chic you've been vicariously enjoying through windows... don't do it on Wednesdays. Only a few hardy store owners were open!

Just a cup of coffee ....??? ...please???

On the flip side... I may have $aved, except for the headache from lack of CAFFEINE.