Mail Art Salon

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Stay Home - Be Safe - Send Mail

In March, my employer told me to take my computer and go work from home. It’s been an interesting experience staying sheltered and distant these past months. Some days are pleasant while others are filled with anxiety and frustration over a circumstance that is beyond my control.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and I spend all my time at home, I notice things about my environment that I never noticed before. Other familiar parts of my surroundings take on new meaning when seen from my new stay-at-home vantage. The way the shadow of our house crawls across the patio; the clouds that fill this pollution-free urban sky; and the unusual beauty of food packaging.

This mail art project uses recycled art papers and cardboard waste in the shape of our house to reflect on the beauty that surrounds me and the warning from healthcare professionals that the pandemic is not over. I choose to limit my contact with others and practice social distancing, wash my hands, and wear a face covering when I do go out in public.

I encourage you to stay home, be safe, and send mail.

Stay Home - 101 of 149

Stay Home - 19 of 149

Stay Home - 49 of 149

Stay Home - 50 of 149

Stay Home - Reverse

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

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

Monday, April 20, 2020

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?

Monday, April 13, 2020

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

Reverse of card

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Meditation on COVID-19

This week, the World Health Organization declared that an outbreak of COVID-19, a coronavirus, had reached pandemic proportions. In Dallas, local health officials declared a disaster and a public health emergency. Large gatherings were banned and events, large and small, were cancelled. Churches cancelled services. There was a rush to buy hygiene products, cold remedies, all sorts of pantry staples and toilet paper. People were encouraged to wash their hands often and practice “social distancing” to protect themselves from an infection. These are days filled with unusual news and challenges to routines.

I struggle with how best to respond. Do I hoard disinfectants and toilet paper? Do I despair because the economy has very suddenly become soft and cause for despair? How do I find comfort when dinners with friends are being canceled and we are encouraged to distance ourselves from one another?

These could be lonely times.

I have little to offer in this time of uncertainty, but I know that I take comfort in making art. This Mail Art Project is my effort to capture the moment and document the circumstance. We are vulnerable to a virus with unknown powers and asked to distance ourselves from one another. Yet there is beauty in the world and wonder all around us. Making art and creating this Mail Art Project brings me unexpected joy in this moment that could otherwise be filled with panic and despair. It is a meditation on what it means to live in this moment.

May we know comfort and find connection in these days filled with uncertainty and a call to physically distance ourselves from one another.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

I Need You To Survive

Mail Art Salon - March 24, 2018

It has been a little less than a month since my last Mail Art Project, and I still feel the need to make art in response to current affairs. The official release of this project coincides with the March for Our Lives scheduled for March 24 in Washington DC.

I recently heard the song "I Need You To Survive" written by David Frazier and it prompted me to create this current project. Here are the lyrics:

I need you
You need me
We're all a part of God's body
Stand with me
Agree with me
We're all a part of God's body
It is his will that every need be supplied
You are important to me
I need you to survive

I pray for you
You pray for me
I love you
I need you to survive
I won't harm you
With words from my mouth
I love you
I need you to survive

The images in this project were created using fragments of figure drawings; the "Red Cross" as a symbol of safety and help that does not discriminate; an overlay of tissue printed with vines and leaves; and a swash of golden paint.

Let me know if this Project speaks to you. As always, I think that Art is a Healing Force.

Everyone deserves to receive art in the mail from time to time.

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Have We Lost Love?

Mail Art Salon February 17, 2018

I believe Art is a Healing Force and that we can heal the world with acts of kindness.

But at times that seems very difficult. Particularly when the voices of hate and fear are so loud. Responding to those voices and to acts of violence by making art helps me cope. My latest mail art postcard project incorporates figure drawings, paint and fragments of text that I had recently used in making Valentine's Day cards. Exploring the connection between unbounded love and unmitigated tragedy using a single set of images reminds me of how frail we are. Maybe getting art in the mail helps us be a little stronger.

I want to show my thanks and support for those who have suffered loss, those who struggle, the unknown who face adversity, or anyone who just needs to know someone is thinking of them.

To turn my belief that Art is a Healing Force into action, I will make and send a piece of mail art through the mail to anyone who requests it.

Click HERE and provide your contact information; then watch your mailbox!

You can read more about my other mail art projects here on my blog.

If you want to join me in this project, I invite you to send me a postcard at the address below.

Art is a Healing Force
Mail Art Salon
9526 Viewside Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75231
USA

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Support Healing Actions with Art

Art is a Healing Force

Mail Art Salon 2017

“The country is so wounded, bleeding, and hurt right now. The country needs to be healed—it's not going to be healed from the top, politically. How are we going to heal? Art is the healing force.”Robert RedfordNational Arts Policy Roundtable 2012

I believe that Art is a Healing force, and that we can heal the world with acts of kindness. I also believe in standing up for what is right and peacefully speaking against the many recent cries of bigotry, racism, sexism, antisemitism and all other manner of hate.

I want to show my thanks and support for those who struggle, who face adversity, or just need to know someone is thinking of them.

To turn my belief that Art is a Healing Force into action, I will make and send a piece of mail art through the mail to anyone who requests it.

Click HERE and provide your contact information; then watch your mailbox!

You can read more about my other mail art projects here on my blog.

If you want to join me in this project, I invite you to send me a postcard at the address below.

Art is a Healing Force
Mail Art Salon
9526 Viewside Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75231
USA

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Thank you for participating in "Art is a Healing Force"

Since I published the call for my Art is a Healing Force project last fall, I have received wonderful art from all around the world. Thank you to the many artists who submitted works of beauty and delicacy and thoughtfulness and sometimes challenging subject matter. I truly believe that Art is a Healing force and that we should all make art. Here are images of some of the works that I received in response to the call. I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who sent work, and to those of you who enjoy it here on my blog.

David Schulze
Dallas, Texas

Nico van Hoorn

The Netherlands

Ayse Ugar

Turkey

Jan Hodgman

United States

Peg Bobo

United States

Jerzy Stepniak

Poland

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Art is a Healing Force

Mail Art Salon 2016 - 2017
Open Call

Robert Redford

National Arts Policy Roundtable 2012

This is a season for healing. A time to slow down for a moment and let the power of making and sharing art heal us.

This project is a call for all artists to make a little piece of art and mail it to someone who may not be expecting it. Take a photo of the piece you make and post it Then post a photo online with the hash-tag #MailArtSalon

In addition to sending art to someone who may never have received art in the mail before, you may submit original works to the sponsor at the address below.

Original artwork only; no photocopies or reproductions
Postcards; 4” x 6” or 5” x 7”
All media and techniques welcome
Multiple entries allowed
Each entry must be individually submitted through the postal system; no email or online entries accepted.
No fees, no jury, no returns.

Please include your name, mailing address and email address with each work submitted. Title of the work and medium are encouraged but not required.

A list of participants will be compiled and provided to participants by email after the submission deadline. If you do not want your contact details (postal and email address) to be included please let us know.

Information and Photos of the individual entries will be displayed online at www.MailArtSalon.blogspot.com

Mail entries to:

Mail Art Salon
9526 Viewside Dr.
Dallas, Texas 75231
USA

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Mail Art Salon 2014 Sumbitted Work

Since I published the Mail Art Salon 2014 call last summer, my mailbox has not seen a day without wonderful art from all around the world. Thank you to the many artists who submitted works of beauty and delicacy and thoughtfulness and sometimes challenging subject matter. I truly believe that Art is life and that we should all make art. Here are images of some of the works that I received in response to the call. I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone who sent work, and to those of you who enjoy it here on my blog.