World's longest running add & pass (?) from Ruud Janssen (Netherlands) via Mail-Art Martha (UK)

[De Villo Sloan]

July 23, 2014 - I am deeply honored that Mail-Art Martha (Beckenham Kent, UK) chose me to receive this historic Add & Pass (a copy) being circulated by Ruud Janssen (Breda, Netherlands). As you can see, this document originated with David Zack (one of the founders of Neoism) in 1983 and was sent to legendary UK correspondent Robin Crozier. Latin American visual poet Clemente Padin sent it to Ruud Janssen in 1984. After a very long hiatus, this incredible document is circulating again. I hope it gains many more additions. Here is the rest of the list:

I immediately decided John M. Bennett (Columbus, Ohio, USA) would be an ideal recipient and thought he might really enjoy seeing this. John, among many other contributions, was an architect of Neoism and likely corresponded with many people who signed the document. I am thrilled the piece is back in circulation. Mail-Art Martha also enclosed some wonderful material:

Mail-Art Martha re-purposed Ruud Janssen’s envelope:

This presents a small tribute to Rain Rien Nevermind. And the reverse:

Deepest thanks to Mail-Art Martha for the great work and for the opportunity to participate in a historic project.

[Mail Art Martha]

I have about half a dozen identities ( some secret) and it is difficult enough to keep them all happy, I cannot imagine what would I do with eighteen.

[De Villo Sloan]

I meant 70s & 80s - Zack & Blaster Al were probably most prolific in the 80s. You might know the legend that Blaster Al sent out mail using 18 different identities.

[De Villo Sloan]

I'm glad if you can find it useful, Martha. Zack is certainly an important figure in the American-Canadian wing of mail-art in the 1970s along with Blaster Al & our own JMB. Stewart Home in Britain jumped in later - these were the Neoist folks. I don't know if you remember the Art Strike of the early 90s. The article suggests that Zack & Ray Johnson had an uneasy relationship at best. I've always admired Robin Crozier. Very male-centered in those days. The women have brought a lot to it, IMHO.

[Mail Art Martha]

Thank you for the article, that is something very relevant to me at the moment, we are kind of gravitaing towards a sub group in London of Field Study, or what have you, face to face meetings. We will get some inspiration from Zacks, methinks.

[De Villo Sloan]

Thanks, Martha. Copies have been mailed to JMB & Carl Baker. Let's watch to see if they ever re-appear.

I used to see David Zack in the zines, but had no idea he was a ringleader of the "14 Secret Masters of the World." Mark Bloch also wrote a very good article about him:

http://www.panmodern.com/zack-article.html

I also like the other material you sent. Thx again

[Mail Art Martha]

It seems I have chosen well. Thanks DVS for such nice dispaly and for the info on Zacks who I didn't know. I know all the others including John M.Bennett.

[De Villo Sloan]

Carl, I'm sending you a copy. You are definitely someone who appreciates this.

[carl baker]

DVS, thats wonderful, i put up a tweet, cb.