COVID Amulet - Protect me from coronavirus

We know all too well that a virus can have enormous impacts in our lives.  For a tiny, not-quite-alive thing, it has shown its enormous power to disrupt routines and upend institutions.  In contrast, I also find images of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus to be beautiful.  This mail art project is about finding a way to express the tension between the beauty of the thing and its power to force changes that are often unwelcome.

Some time ago I did a project in response to another difficult circumstance in my life.  "Nazar Amulet" was an expression of my need for solace and protection in a time when I felt threatened.  It feels like I need another amulet right now.

An amulet is an ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease. What would happen if the beauty of the virus were turned to protect from the disruption I feel?  Could others find a sense of security and hope that alCaleb1Skyla2
al will be well in such an amulet?

COVID AMULET - Protect me from coronavirus.*


* Fine Print: COVID AMULET has not been proven effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.  It may, however, bring the recipient comfort. 

Nazar Amulet - July 4, 2017

Nazar Amulet (reverse) - July 4, 2017

Uncertain Times

These days it feels like nothing is  certain.  There is much information but there is not a consistent or predictable message.  Should I stay away from people or should I abandon my social distancing practice?  Should I wear a face covering or not? Will the economy get better or worse, and how soon will all that happen?

This mail art project is about the uncertainty of the moment.  In days past one could have reasonable expectations and could make plans based on those expectations.  None of that seems possible at this moment because it is not possible to have a reliable expectation about what the future may hold.

In this uncertain time, there is hope that this pandemic will come to an end and society and its institutions will return to some predictable norms.  Perhaps this mail art project can help remind us of that.  What makes today a good day?

Spring in the Time of Pandemic

My neighbor across the back alley has a tall fence that is covered with vines.  Each year, those vines announce the arrival of spring by breaking into bloom and create a visually halting display of red, orange, yellow and the slightest bit of pink.  It makes my heart glad each time I see that curtain of blooms.

It feels odd to be so taken by the beauty of that sight as we "Stay Home to Stay Safe" during this outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.  The uncertainty and anxiety and fear that fills my days exists along side the beauty of nature that seems to be unaware of the pandemic at the same time it is at the cause of this mutation of Coronavirus.

I made this painted postcard edition of 107 cards plus 10 Artist Run cards to capture the feeling of this moment.  I have included a photo of the blooming cross vine in addition to photos of some finished cards and videos of my process for making this edition.

Be safe; wash your hands; cover your mouth and nose; and practice social distancing.  It is spring in the time of pandemic.

Blooming Crossvines

Completed sheet before cutting

Spring in the Time of Pandemic

Spring in the Time of Pandemic

Reverse of card