Asemically Yours, by Jan Hodgman (Anacortes, Washington, USA)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail art by IUOMA member Jan Hodgman (Anacortes, Washington, USA)

October 22, 2015 - Among other artistic pursuits, Jan Hodgman is doing some fantastic asemic writing. I am thrilled she sent me new work.

I am not always sure about vertical or horizontal presentation in the case of some vispo/asemics I receive. This sometimes happens with Matthew Stolte’s work (Wisconsin, USA). Matt usually responds (I paraphrase here): “Any way you want.” In this case of Jan Hodgman’s work, I have chosen a vertical presentation of the postcard-size piece after looking at all the angles. I like this particular point of view because the connection between writing and drawing are, for me, most pronounced.

Interpretation of asemic writing, of course, is highly subjective. This work by Jan Hodgman, at this moment anyway, seems alive to me with bird images. The birds become or originate from the letters “M” and “W,” ultimately producing new symbols. I think it is a FAB work, made all the more pleasing due to its organic and process-oriented quality.

Many thanks to Jan Hodgman!

[De Villo Sloan]

Sadly, the "Asemic Movement" has splintered into several factions: The Asemic Art faction (called by a detractor "bad motel room abstract art"), Asemic Writing and those (like Jim Leftwich and John Bennett) who helped invent it but want no part of it and insist it's just visual poetry (see their comments in the IUOMA asemic group). Is it any wonder we don't know which end is up? Here is another view of Jan's piece. I suppose next we should look at the horizontal possibilities.

[Richard Canard]

22.10.15 Dare De Villo S., ...You mean it's not a painting of flying birds???? Yes, I admire it as well. it  am reminded of the classical story concerning examples of so-called "modern art" being hung mistakenly upside down in museum settings (much to the ironic delight of the the unappreciative public).... & the casual explanation by one of my art instructors of many years ago: "A good work of art works from any angle".... There is no top or bottom...& as we move into the 21st century & outer space, the realization that there is no such thing as "up" or "down" takes on real meaning. Since Riley, Richard C.

[De Villo Sloan]

Oh, and a guy on G+ says it makes him think of a late de Kooning. I do see the point.

[De Villo Sloan]

Tonight all I see is lizards! (Maybe because tENTATIVELY, a cONVENIENCE is posting things about rosening lizards, and I am thinking: "I am the Lizard King!"

Anyway, Jan, tell me the truth: Did you intend this vertical presentation I have chosen? Now it looks all wrong. This morning it looked perfect.

[Jan Hodgman]

with a grin, perhaps birdlike.....