Unmasking the Voyageur Postale

Today, in the UK, the government mandated that we all wear masks when going into shops and supermarkets.  You even need to wear a mask while waiting for a fish and chips takeout. I have been wearing my mask since the start of lockdown.  I tried to get Patrick a mask before he travelled to southern Africa and was met with derision at pharmacies. That was in February. Not so much anymore… 

So I have sent a few of my favourite mail artists (who I guessed may not make their own masks or would wear one I made). I sent one of my first masks -a Herman sends me the most delicious mail art and I wanted to say thank you and to imagine what kind of mask he might like to wear. 

I have been mking masked stamps but Herman's mailing response to my mask is on another level - his work always is! 

I got an email from Herman telling me that he would send me a photo wearing my mask. I checked and he has allowed me to post the photo!  Some of us are all over social media and we know what we look like, not Herman.  Seeing Herman in my mask made me content that I had sent a mask to the right person!  

I also sent Herman a big  collage made in lockdown (above).  

This beauty from Herman in reply. 

Herman and I have conversations through mail art. 

The ephemera/ book pages that Herman sends me for inspiration (and they are) have a timeless quality.  Below is a snippet of the letter Herman sent me - his handwriting, his words are visual poetry and equally timeless.

Herman and I have shared some details about our lives over the years of exchanging.  Maybe this is me linking arms with Charlotte.  I'm sure we'd be friends too. Thank you Herman I LOVE this mailing!