'Out of the Blue' from Cuan Miles

This is my first mailing from Cuan Miles (South Africa) and as he says, it's 'out of the blue'. 

The textures and layers of imagery, handwriting, asemic writing and possibly trash pieces all work together to create mail art that has a timeless density that tells stories and creates meaning!Cuan describes himself as a designer/cartoonist who loves to make collages.  Obviously I'm delighted to have received not just one, but two!  It's possible that there was even more in this mailing as the envelope arrived ripped open on two sides!

When I send Cuan my reply I will be securing all sides.  South Africa is a long way away.

You can find more of Cuan's work here on his wonderful blog: http://curiouscollage.blogspot.co.uk

Dada penguins from Anaheim

Love the strong imagery of this collaged dadesque piece from Anaheim.The postmarks add to the random intentionality, IMHO. 
Is self-aware good? tell me your thoughts.
According to the TATE:
Dada was an art movement formed during the First World War in Zurich in negative reaction to the horrors and folly of the war. The art, poetry and performance produced by dada artists is often satirical and nonsensical in nature.

Looking back at Bananas with Anna

Great to receive mail art from Anna Banana, from Canada, and a copy of her Banana Rag. It has been a busy year for Anna, with her Passing the Flame exhibition and 45 years of Fooling Around. Reading the Banana Rag, it is clear that these two events were only the beginning!

I sent something in for the exhibition and was replied to!  Somehow I didn't make it to the contributor's list (on P 2 of the Banana Rag) but I heard from Mailarta and she had spotted my contribution and it's no big deal and not surprising when you think of the the coordination involved!

Anna did lots of research over the course of the exhibits and it made interesting reading. I was surprised to hear that some dogs like bananas.  My dog and my chickens won't touch them!

Anna will be going to NY for  the OFFICIAL OPENING of the exhibit at The Pratt institute (3rd floor, Library building) on Thurs. March 3, 6 - 8 pm, reception following immediately after that. She'll also be doing a mailart workshop there on Thurs. Mar 4, tentatively from 2 - 5 pm, to respond to some of the many items sent to AGGV that didn't get replies. Check with Pratt Library for confirmation of times.  https://www.pratt.edu/events/single/?id=39170

The Banana Rag is 8 pages long and came with an insert asking for contributions for this year's edition.  If you want Anna's address, to get your own Banana Rag, let me know! She's only asking for $10 in cash from 50 people to keep it going!

Voyageur Postal's New Year's Dogs are for Life

Herman's handwriting alerts me (with a flourish) that a painterly collage is about to be discovered.

Opening mail art is like being on a dig.  Unless the envelope is transparent, or the envelope is the art, the contents are buried inside.  

I kept Herman's envelope propped up on a table in my studio for a few days so that when I 'excavated' it I would be sure I could take the time to look with care.

Herman's mail art has another thing about it that reminds me of archeology… the natural forms.  I just love the way Herman juxtaposes his glorious paper with choice collage pieces and doodles.  For me it is the stuff of life, where dreams and tradition meet.  It's the photo album we all wish we had. 

Don't you just love hose animated mongrels braying at the moon while a Munch-like onlooker screams. and I'm sure I can hear the echo of a yodel from these corgis and the lass, can't you? The cigar wrappers add such a feel of military, or boarding school.  She's wearing her prefect badge as a sash!

Herman has included some customary collage gifts in his mailing. Great stuff, and perfect for my mail art resolutions! For sure Voyageur Postal's New Year's Dogs are for Life.

Many thanks, Herman!

Dazzled by Susan McAllister

As I look at this again I see asemic lines that remind me of John Bennett! I hope it's happy New Year, Susan! I will choose to interpret this as a creative brainwave. I am dazzled.

Debut Mail Art from Peter Willsher

Who knew Peter had been to Malta or that he would send his debut mail art piece to me from there! An altered postcard is so Peter's style, strong and direct in a minimalist way! Just like the West Wing.
Many thanks Peter!

Hangover-over love and kisses from Marie Wintzer

Marie isn't making her tactile, original, imaginative, intelligent and out of this world books anymore. she featured in the article that was written about me in December and I sent her a copy.  she told me she wasn't amking mail art anymore and then I was surprised to receive a few radiograms!

Radiograms are the perfect medium for Marie because she has a wonderfull knack for packing so much in a small space, with few words.  The cryptic quality is also a Wintzer trademark! I feel as if I left the party early and missed the excitement and am not quite sure how to tiptoe, but I'd sure like a 'happy snappy'!

In this second radiogram, Marie peppers the communication with words that come from my world… 'Maine' and 'bananas' almost trick me into thinking I am in the know.  But I don't know Peter. And now I'm convinced that Marie  got my radiogram mixed up with Major Tom's.  Are these cut-ups?

In another correspondence with Marie, I discovered that she has struck out in new directions!  Exciting new stuff by marie can be seen here!

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