Received: Super-hero mail-art from Marie Wintzer (Satima. Japan)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member Marie Wintzer (Satima, Japan)

November 7, 2010 - Marie Wintzer's mail-art arrived here in the U.S.A., and I thought I was receiving her chapter for Cheryl Penn's "The Crimsoned Giant" book project. Instead, when I opened the elegant envelope (see below), I found an extraordinary triptych. I confess to liking popcult images in mail-art (via Ray Johnson especially). From her very first days at the IUOMA, I was fascinated by Marie's use of Japanese texts she finds in her environment. Here's the envelope. This makes nice use of maps:

Returning to the very top image: I thought the idea of using a triptych, bound together with red string, was ingenious. I gather from some of Marie's photos I've seen, this binding together of paper objects is a custom in Japan. But I wouldn't doubt that Marie is also referencing the triptych - three part structure - so pervasive and resonant in Western visual art, music, and literature. I believe this can be traced at least as far back as Classicism with its insistence on balance and harmony - a strong factor in Marie's work. This was absorbed into Christianity - the trinity - and its resulting expression, no? So placing popcult images (global in nature) in this three-part structure - it seems to me - begs for thoughtful consideration and interpretation - as well as being a lot of fun. The beauty of what Marie has done seems to be that these core elements she has chosen are so ultimately universal that they speak to everyone. Anyone who sees or receives it can find something that speaks to them as individuals. You can engage with this piece for its meaning and beauty. I've written before in previous blogs about Marie's distinctive style, and this piece is a tremendous example. Like most mail-artists. she makes use of all available space:

This view also gives you a better sense of how she put the piece together. More great map use and the usual suspect:

And to close, a word about Marie's mail-art blog, aka "Marie's Mailbox." I often, partially in jest, send messages to Marie saying: "You get the best mail-art! It's not fair!" I received the best mail-art this time. But it seems to me she does have a record of receiving very interesting work from interesting people. You can find a record of it at "Marie's Mailbox." This isn't one of those high-traffic places where things change by the hour - nothing wrong with that - but I like visiting Marie's blog because it's somehow comfortable and tracks one person's experience and evolution thoughtfully sending and receiving work and creating an ongoing dialog. I hope you have a chance to visit Marie's blog:

http://www.mariesmailbox.blogspot.com/

Many thanks - your mail-art is always appreciated, Marie.

This blog is about art and presents text and images of art for thoughtful discussion among mail-artists and to encourage creative free expression only. This blog is not meant or intended to malign or offend any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, institution, company or individual. This blog is not meant in any way to do harm including but not limited to defamation, intimidation, libel or injury in any form to any individuals.

[cheryl penn]

guiltyschmilty - I think its great!

[Marie Wintzer]

Errrm, I meant feel guilty, not get guilty :-$

[Marie Wintzer]

Thanks for such a nice blog post Sloan. I occasionally get guilty for receiving all the good stuff, and I'm always wondering what to do next. The fear of not knowing what to do any more... all of a sudden inspiration strikes, I make a piece, send it, and the cycle starts again, what am I going to do after this? Oh well...

[cheryl penn]

Dear Super-Hero, great blog - but soon you wont be the only one - I am getting one too! I just have to wait longer than everyone - mine comes via a donkey - no super-heroines beast that. A case of giving what you get? Marie sends great work, and she gets great work. On instruction I have visited her blog - you are right - a thoughtful evolution.