RECEIVED: Illuminated Mail-Art from Asemics 16 Contributor KDJ (Orlando, Florida, USA)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member KDJ (Orlando, Florida, USA)

 

June 19, 2011 - KDJ is a talented mail-artist who works in many different areas. Lately she has become involved with the asemic writers gathered here at the IUOMA. She's contributing a chapter to the Asemics 16 (edition 3) collaborative book. She applied and was accepted in the Martha Stuart School of Asemic Wallpaper and has already distinguished herself. 

 

KDJ sent me this postcard-size asemic work that I'm thrilled to add to the growing collection. I have a real affinity for this piece because I've been interested in illuminated medieval books and manuscripts for a long time. In the new light of asemic writing, I'm revisiting some of those works now for ideas, inspiration, and to view them in a different way. Some things that have caught my eye include Book of Kells (Irish, circa 800 AD) and a bit later in time various iterations of Book of Hours (Europe, circa 13th through 16th centuries).

 

I think KDJ's work references illuminated manuscripts and - exactly what I was looking for - integrates the style with asemic writing. This beautiful piece opens doors of possibility for asemics inspired by illuminated books and manuscripts. KDJ's work is elegant, graceful, and rich with colors - fantastic symbols integrated seamlessly. She sent a kind note on the reverse side:

 

I think her reference to illumination establishes intent. Some time ago I sent Sue Bowen (Virginia) an asemic piece based on illuminated manuscripts (not as good as KDJ's by any measure). Perhaps it's a coincidence, but it's nice to think there is dialog among all the artists who are doing such exciting asemic writing. Anyway, many thanks KDJ. This completes our first exchange, and I look forward to many more.

[De Villo Sloan]

Glad you share my enthusiasm. KDJ is going in yet another interesting direction with asemic writing will illuminated manuscripts. Here's a pic from the Book of Kells for those not familiar:

[Marie Wintzer]

Wha ha ha, I'm on #3, so lucky! Looking forward to her chapter!

[cheryl penn]

Wonderful :-) - looking forward to KDJ's #3 contribution. The illuminated manuscripts - GREAT source documents.