Talk of Mail Art

Posted by Jenn Greenleaf Jan 16, 2009

Talking about mail art has been on my tongue quite a bit over the past years, but rarely do I come across any of the mail artists I used to collaborate with. We still travel in the same social networking circles, but the topic never seems to come up between us . . . until recently. One of them sparked a conversation with a choice few of us, and it’s made me yearn for those days again.

It was one of those addictions similar to what some go through about text messaging and visiting forums. Mine was seeing who had new mail art projects posted, and which ones I wanted to sign up for. I couldn’t begin my morning routine without sipping coffee and signing up for mail art projects (or starting my own) on a daily basis. My art “studio” was constantly active with art journals, decos, ATCs, altered books, handmade envelopes, altered post cards, and mini-shrines.

This leaves me with the question . . . why do I need to be part of something in order to keep myself creative on a daily basis. Why can’t I just be an artist for myself . . . without the deadlines, guidelines, and themes set up by someone else? These questions may not be answered anytime soon, but I’m sure they will be eventually. I will get to the point of personal creation. My work will be important, with or without the stamp.