Sale of Mail Postal Art

[ThomasB]

The sale of Mail Postal Art has become increasingly popular in recent years as it provides a unique and affordable way for artists to showcase their work. This type of art involves creating pieces that can be sent through the mail, with the artwork being integrated into the envelope or packaging itself. Not only does this give artists a chance to showcase their creativity, but it also offers collectors a chance to own unique and one-of-a-kind artworks.

One of the biggest advantages of Mail Postal Art is its accessibility. Unlike traditional gallery shows, anyone can participate in selling or buying these works of art without needing an extensive budget or connections within the art world. The sale typically takes place through online platforms or auctions, making this type of art available to anyone with an internet connection.

Overall, the sale of Mail Postal Art is a trend that is gaining popularity due to its accessibility, uniqueness, and affordability.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

Hi ThomasB! There are discussion materials here on the website:

https://iuoma-network.ning.com/forum/topics/the-rules-of-mail-art

There are a lot of comments from various people in the discussion, I highly recommend reading them at your leisure. Participants sought to understand what the unwritten laws of Mail Art are, whether there are such laws and what they consist of. Various topics were touched upon, including money issues. Most importantly, I think Ruud Janssen's notes, grouped under the heading SOME THOUGHTS ON MAIL ART, are important for understanding Mail Art. The text is divided into eighteen parts; part 1 can be found at:

http://www.iuoma.org/stat_1.html

Further, by leafing through the pages, you can read the whole text.

[Richard Canard]

12.03.23 Dare Ms. Katerina Nikoltsou (via ThomasB's "Sale of Mail Postal Art"),...Yes, your response here is pretty much what I would have also said if (that's a big "IF") I were as perceptive & consciously aware  as you are. Well said. I simply wish to underscore it.  SinCelery,  Richard Canard.... Post Scriptum: It was Lon Spiegelman (years & years ago) who said "Mail Art & money don't mix."To which I add...but does that mean it's worthless or priceless??

[Katerina Nikoltsou (MomKat)]

"There are no rules in mail art", however mail art is NOT for Sale, it is art work that we make and send in the mail, they are "gifts" to the receiver . The one who receives it may do whatever with our mail art: like it, hate it, frame it. display it, store it, archive it, recycle it, give it away, throw it in the rubbish...or sell it/ auction it. Many mail art projects are exhibits, too, some are "sales" or "auctions" for charity, hopefully the organizers mention this in their mail art call, but not always.

We send our mail art out into the United Eternal Network...and once received, it is no longer ours, there is no "copyright" on it. We may hope for exchange, for a reply, but really, if you give a "gift", do you expect one in return? Do you not give it freely, no conditions attached? There are a thousand reasons why there may be no reply, no "thanks", no favorable comment. Mail art has "no judges" we should accept all, as we accept gifts. And if we find it inappropriate, or offensive, or not to our liking, then it is best to leave it be and not reply. Also one can communicate privately with the mail artist and state your opinion...but no need to go public with it. RESPECT is the "rule", not only in mail art, but with artists and all human relations.

[Predrag Petrovic]

I totally agree, the sale is not what we need in the world of Postal Art. It would, partly, support the well beings of the artist, but then, if one is making solely for the sale, then it is not the mail art, it is then the art for sale. In Postal Art (Mail Art) we exchange art, we don't sell it. Through all these years I never sell anything, although I know my works have been sold. Also I am disappointed in general quality of present-day mail art, in most of the cases I can see works or ''works'' of very low quality. Also, many people expect to receive something and they never send anything back. Disqusting and offensive. I have my own ''black list'' of such artists (''artists'') but I will not give it away in public for certain reaons. I will, however, publish in one day for sure.

[William M]

i agree with ruud. there are some exceptions. zines and books that are often sold or given away for free(or both depending on the situation). work designed to be sold i wouldn't consider to be mail art even if it takes on some of the forms and themes common in the mail art world.

[Ruud Janssen]

The sale is against one of the basic rules of mail-art though.