This is incorrigible

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

It's hard for me to work on the Internet, take photos, it's much easier for me to make a collage or emboss on paper, send it in a mail envelope. It's easier for me to do art than to post photos on the Internet ...... This is incorrigible.

But I am always ready to exchange.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

Dear friends, I am very grateful to everyone for the ideas expressed.

I must say that I checked myself: I get burnout only when working with a camera (photographing), working with a laptop, using the Internet, blogging and posting. On the contrary, the collage itself, pure art never causes burnout, only joy and pleasure. The art (in itself) never turns into a "yoke around the neck." Oh, this self-knowledge, it continues throughout life.

I agree with Carmela Rizzuto when she says, " I take a break if it feels like a burden and is not enjoyable." So let's continue our creativity, we will continue to communicate by mail.

[John Gayer]

In reading recent comments I noticed I meant to note that mail art is "not meant to be a yoke around the neck," not net, although I'm sure the gist of the message could be understood. One easily gets lost when using the computer. Time gets swallowed up somehow.

[SaraMarie Bottaro]

What a welcome conversation! The pressure to photograph and post became anxiety for me a few years ago when I first began participating in IUOMA. I'm glad to be sending mail art again now, and feel the same as Ilya, it is better to be making and sending. Let surprises arrive easily, and like Chris said, just to give freely and enjoy the process. 

[Mail Art Martha]

This discussion is healthy. Thanks Ilya!

[John Gayer]

I find this discussion intriguing. The whole point of mail art, in my view, is that it's about being free to do what you want. It's not meant to be a yoke around the net. Sometimes participation becomes more intense and sometimes you step back from it. I feel it's important to document and post some things, but I certainly haven't set myself the task of documenting everything, let alone posting it. I think it's up to each person to decide what suits them best.   

[Mail Art Martha]

Sorry to hear about your scanner Heleen. I live in fear to be let down by the technology, we order our groceries online from our usual supermarket which is only 200 meters away but deliveries are safer  now. And have seen the dr online too for an eye infection!

Instead blogging pictures one by one now I display them on my Shopping Trolley Gallery, I take a photo and upload it. Saves time.

theshoppingtrolleygallery.blogspot.com

Will the Galleria Refrigeratoria join me, Carmela?

[Heleen de Vaan]

I agree with all who commented.

I’d love to blog received mail art on my projects’ blogspot blogs (animals; solitude; doctors) and here at IUOMA, but daily life is too full with work and care of family, to even create all mail art I have in mind. 
And my scanner gave up, which makes digitalizing even more time consuming.

I always love to see my works blogged, and I’m sure many senders will be happy to see their works after traveling, too. But if - and now that - I must choose how to spend the scarce spare time, it is ‘creating mail art’ which is on top of the priority list..

[Mail Art Martha]

Carmela I would like very much to see your Galleria Refrigeratoria!

IUOMA is also my only social media and agree with you in all other points.

[Carmela Rizzuto]

Yes, although it is tradition to blog or post what one sends and receives, it is not compulsory. However, I  find inspiration, laughs, smirks, and thought-provoking images/messages in what is posted on our social network. It is the only social media website to which I belong, so I find my time is well spent. I take a break if it feels like a burden and is not enjoyable. And I agree mail art  exchanges are a gift to be appreciated--what I receive adorns my ''Galleria Refrigeratoria''. Thanks to all who have "made my day" over the years!

[Mail Art Martha]

I agree there is no obligation to blog the work received or show it anywhere but I do because other people blog mine.

I also agree that mail art can be too much of a good thing but I find that if I had not mail art I would have gone mad in this corona crisis. With some careful planning it can be managed. Doing it in short bursts and having breaks to rest, to sleep, to do the garden, housework, socializing, reading, learning a new skill, going for a walk, meditate, exercise ... works for me.

It is not easy. I need to make a huge effort to switch as I tend to become too involved in whatever I do. I like to think I am focused, others call me obsesive!