Neil accidentally invented Fashemics. We're not sure what it is yet.
& thank you Miss Asemic Arizona 2013. You are making quite the splash in the asemic world these day. In fact, I'd say you're splashemic. But stay away from bulemics!
splash. funny. I got splashed in the face is what I got and slapped and kicked in the stomach and then knocked down. luckily, i do not suffer from the temptations of bulemics so it's okay. but in all seriousness, thank you.
OK, so some of our intrepid asemicists have discovered there is an asemic writing community beyond mail-art. There are people with some very fixed definitions, which we came to call Asemic Correctness. For this group. what always works best is to follow your heart. If you want to know more, you can benefit from what we learned here and recorded in the intros to the Asemics 16. Just remember, children write asemically before they can write their own languages.
Pete Spence (Australia) made an interesting comment on Facebook, connected with the AB of Kerri and I. It was not a reaction on the book but on the use of the word ASEMICS altogether. Once Asemics have been seen or visualized, they are no longer Asemics because they have been read, or viewed or whatever. Personnally I agree with this, the contradiction between Vispo and asemics is a fake one but of course I am not the pope (thank the gods in which I do not believe anyway for that), so I CAN BE VERY WRONG in my opinions and am lucky I can be wrong! Otherwise we all have become fasci ...
To use Fasci is interesting DVS because after all Marinetti (Italian futurists / the whole words in liberation expressions who were so important for the development of later vispo) were fasci or supported the Duce...
Fashion is fasci, I think, people who follow fashion are brainwashed morrons..
Or to paraphrase Jesus X: father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing, hmmm
Cheryl Penn and I began using the term Asemics during the book projects. It was probably a term of convenience. With asemic writing, asemic is an adjective. Asemics is a noun. So this Pete Spence thing is simply about whether it is appropriate to use the term Asemics? I gathered there was more to it than that.
Guido, with great respect:
"Once Asemics have been seen or visualized, they are no longer Asemics because they have been read, or viewed or whatever."
I am missing something. I do not understand what this means. The only conclusion I can draw from this sentence is a suggestion Asemics would have to be invisible to meet the definition.
Further:
"the contradiction between Vispo and asemics is a fake one"
Again, during the book project when Cheryl was here (Lord that she be here now) we had some rancour involving members who were disagreeing about the relationship between vispo and asemic writing. Some people claimed the work some people were doing was not asemic. I did not pay all that much attention.
In the Pete Spence thing, as related here, I can see the possibility of an argument that visual poetics and asemic writing are possibly a contradiction?
I also heard a comment was made somebody needed to study the philosophy of language before doing asemic writing?
Anyway, this stuff is very difficult to discuss online. These issues have been raised in this group before. I wish someone could clearly explain the issue.
And Guido - please, please don't think I am being bitchy toward you. I am not. I am more interested in understanding reactions to the collab by you and Kerri due to the vispo-asemic crossover I think I see in the work. I am frustrated with my own inability to understand this Pete Spence perspective.
Guido, I had a further conversation with Pete as I wanted to try to understand his comment. He seems to me a kind person with quite an irritation over Asemics. He clearly stated I had no idea what I was doing. I am sure he did not intend to call me a fool, or to call my work blatant silliness, but he did. And I am sure you did not intend to call me a moron for following fashion, but indeed you did! I love fashion! I love Asemics! Sillisemics! I don't really care what you call it. It makes me happy. It is also fascinating to ponder these philosophical questions so all in all this has been a great few days! It has been quite some time since I have frustrated my brain with my thought without language debate so it's always good that I spend some extra time working out my neural networks! So Cheers to Pete! That's what I say.
When Ron Silliman closed down the comment stream on his blog, part of his explanation stated: "I learned early on poetry is a contact sport."
Asemics and vispo extend beyond mail-art, and in some communities dialogue seems like a form of armed combat. Your work has moved into those areas which is good, but, yeah, the game changes. Just don't be intimidated or feel bad about your work because, and not even necessarily with PS, part of the strategy is to assign you to the lower levels of a hierarchy.
All very interesting. As the recipient of the Vermeulen / Pullo collaboration and an asemics spectator (my dictionary doesn't even like the word), I have been inspired by the variety of asemics approaches I've seen here. It;s just great! It seems to me that while we all have our own handwriting and aesthetic interests and I like the 'game' of labeling I am curious about stridently seeing work as 'in' or 'out'.
"i don't care how many friends i lose over this Asemic bullshit...the theory is bad the practice as an art form is totally flawed and i will not put up with blatant silliness i'm getting totally pissed off with these fools they seem to have so little knowledge of what they are making and doing!!!! really getting to me!!!!" - PS
You know, you can only feel pity about reactionary stances.
When I was in school I would write about postmodernism and inevitably some professor would haul me in and say: "There's no such thing as postmodernism."
The more the denial grows of the existence of a thing the more likely it is that thing exists.
I need to be responsible here. This is a conversation that took place somewhere else and we're ripping this guy a new a____e (including me) and he's not even here.
Kerri, we love you and your work.
Anyone have some asemic mail-art they's like to post? Someone's birthday? A picture of your cat? Anything?
I suppose that those opposed to Asemic endeavors are also dismissive of art therapy and other closely-related media associated with expression rooted in the subconscious. How ironic.
I want to make sure Pete Spence knows he is welcome to join this group & enter into any dialogue in a non-confrontational and supportive way.
I have been an admirer of his work and it breaks my heart to see a historic figure like that reduced to trolling the net and posting embarrassing comments that undermine the confidence of especially emerging artists. We all go through rough patches, so maybe we should send him some mail-art to remind him what this is all really about.
Thank you all for having some restraint in not joining in a public gutting.
I do believe asemic writing is an especially vibrant area right now thanks to both brilliant established and emerging practitioners.
I also believe the theory is particularly compelling and sound. Just wanted to make that clear.
You have no reason to apologize. Forget it and please keep making your wonderful art. (And listen to Dylan's "The Boxer" cuz tht's what the biz is about).
If I may add some thoughts to the discussion regarding what asemic art and writing is, I would firstly say that despite the seemingly disrespectful remarks that prompted this discussion, like most artistic forms, a degree of flexibility and interpretation is required when compartmentalising asemic art.
Like most people, I do not personally appreciate everything posted as asemic here at IUOMA, but respect and value the work and thoughts of those who are exploring and enjoying the inspiration, as well as the sense of community and collaboration that is a big part of what we are all here for. A healthy discussion needs participation on all sides though, and occasionally, someone is bound to 'rattle the cage and set the dogs barking.'
It has been very inspirational to read the recent comments by regular contributors to this forum, that have been both mature and respectful. Thank you. The Internet can be a bitchy place to be sometimes and I'm glad that the IUOMA asemic group isn't part of that. And a bit proud.
Kerri, you are very well respected for your asemic work here. DVS, you are absolutely right about denial and the existence of things; when the boundaries are set, there is absolutely no prospect of progression. What is asemic if it is not constantly evolving and being something that it is not?
One must consider the motive behind Pete Spence's original comments - whatever they were - I have not read them and cannot judge them - but I assume that he has his reasons for what he said.
Voltaire said "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."
I hope people will not feel at all bashful about continuing to post their work. The discussion was related to a collab book by Kerri & Guido. But the comment in question was posted on Facebook & not in this group.
Cheryl made an error and listed Michael Jacobson as Italian, so correct this in the compilation, please.
Cheryl asked me also to act as go-between with Pete Spence and to invite him to participate in the editions of mail art makes the world a town. We’ll see how that goes. Pete is an outstanding poet and visual poet with strong personal opinions (like most of us)
Guido, I do remember Alan Riddell as well as the vispo or concrete poetry some folks call Typewriter Art. Here is a piece by Karl Kempton that was made all with a typewriter, nothing digital:
De Villo Sloan
Thank you, Neil. I am presently devising an ideologically driven style of asemic writing called Fascemics.
Mar 24, 2013
Neil Gordon
I used to faces in the wood grains of my desk in 2nd grade! (Way before "Drugs") Fascemics?????
Mar 24, 2013
De Villo Sloan
fasci - fascism - fascination
But I really like Fashemics - fashion asemics, fashionable asemicss
Mar 24, 2013
Kerri Pullo
oh no. you did not just say fashion asemics. shooooooooot! I just died.
Mar 24, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Neil accidentally invented Fashemics. We're not sure what it is yet.
& thank you Miss Asemic Arizona 2013. You are making quite the splash in the asemic world these day. In fact, I'd say you're splashemic. But stay away from bulemics!
Mar 24, 2013
John M. Bennett
Jim Leftwich & John M. Bennett
Mar 25, 2013
Kerri Pullo
this Jim and John collab is magnificent!
splash. funny. I got splashed in the face is what I got and slapped and kicked in the stomach and then knocked down. luckily, i do not suffer from the temptations of bulemics so it's okay. but in all seriousness, thank you.
Mar 25, 2013
John M. Bennett
thanks Kerri -
re being splashed, here's a performance I wrote up that was performed today on Staten Island by an intrepid group of Fluxists:
Drink from a glass of water.
Hold some water in your mouth and say the word "water".
Wipe off your shirt with a towel.
cheers
john
Mar 25, 2013
Kerri Pullo
beautiful! thanks John!
Mar 25, 2013
De Villo Sloan
That one is a beauty John (& Jim). And I'd like to see that performance. Nice score.
Kerri! I'm being complimentary! Wish there was an emoticon to know who's serious and who is not.
Mar 25, 2013
De Villo Sloan
OK, so some of our intrepid asemicists have discovered there is an asemic writing community beyond mail-art. There are people with some very fixed definitions, which we came to call Asemic Correctness. For this group. what always works best is to follow your heart. If you want to know more, you can benefit from what we learned here and recorded in the intros to the Asemics 16. Just remember, children write asemically before they can write their own languages.
http://iuoma-network.ning.com/group/asemicwritingformailartists/for...
Mar 25, 2013
Guido Vermeulen
Pete Spence (Australia) made an interesting comment on Facebook, connected with the AB of Kerri and I. It was not a reaction on the book but on the use of the word ASEMICS altogether. Once Asemics have been seen or visualized, they are no longer Asemics because they have been read, or viewed or whatever. Personnally I agree with this, the contradiction between Vispo and asemics is a fake one but of course I am not the pope (thank the gods in which I do not believe anyway for that), so I CAN BE VERY WRONG in my opinions and am lucky I can be wrong! Otherwise we all have become fasci ...
To use Fasci is interesting DVS because after all Marinetti (Italian futurists / the whole words in liberation expressions who were so important for the development of later vispo) were fasci or supported the Duce...
Fashion is fasci, I think, people who follow fashion are brainwashed morrons..
Or to paraphrase Jesus X: father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing, hmmm
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Cheryl Penn and I began using the term Asemics during the book projects. It was probably a term of convenience. With asemic writing, asemic is an adjective. Asemics is a noun. So this Pete Spence thing is simply about whether it is appropriate to use the term Asemics? I gathered there was more to it than that.
Guido, with great respect:
"Once Asemics have been seen or visualized, they are no longer Asemics because they have been read, or viewed or whatever."
I am missing something. I do not understand what this means. The only conclusion I can draw from this sentence is a suggestion Asemics would have to be invisible to meet the definition.
Further:
"the contradiction between Vispo and asemics is a fake one"
Again, during the book project when Cheryl was here (Lord that she be here now) we had some rancour involving members who were disagreeing about the relationship between vispo and asemic writing. Some people claimed the work some people were doing was not asemic. I did not pay all that much attention.
In the Pete Spence thing, as related here, I can see the possibility of an argument that visual poetics and asemic writing are possibly a contradiction?
I also heard a comment was made somebody needed to study the philosophy of language before doing asemic writing?
Anyway, this stuff is very difficult to discuss online. These issues have been raised in this group before. I wish someone could clearly explain the issue.
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
And Guido - please, please don't think I am being bitchy toward you. I am not. I am more interested in understanding reactions to the collab by you and Kerri due to the vispo-asemic crossover I think I see in the work. I am frustrated with my own inability to understand this Pete Spence perspective.
Mar 26, 2013
Kerri Pullo
Guido, I had a further conversation with Pete as I wanted to try to understand his comment. He seems to me a kind person with quite an irritation over Asemics. He clearly stated I had no idea what I was doing. I am sure he did not intend to call me a fool, or to call my work blatant silliness, but he did. And I am sure you did not intend to call me a moron for following fashion, but indeed you did! I love fashion! I love Asemics! Sillisemics! I don't really care what you call it. It makes me happy. It is also fascinating to ponder these philosophical questions so all in all this has been a great few days! It has been quite some time since I have frustrated my brain with my thought without language debate so it's always good that I spend some extra time working out my neural networks! So Cheers to Pete! That's what I say.
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Then the issue with Pete Spence (a poet & vispoet I do respect very much btw) is that he objects to the whole idea of asemic writing?
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Kerri, just don't let it discourage you.
When Ron Silliman closed down the comment stream on his blog, part of his explanation stated: "I learned early on poetry is a contact sport."
Asemics and vispo extend beyond mail-art, and in some communities dialogue seems like a form of armed combat. Your work has moved into those areas which is good, but, yeah, the game changes. Just don't be intimidated or feel bad about your work because, and not even necessarily with PS, part of the strategy is to assign you to the lower levels of a hierarchy.
Mar 26, 2013
Rebecca Guyver
All very interesting. As the recipient of the Vermeulen / Pullo collaboration and an asemics spectator (my dictionary doesn't even like the word), I have been inspired by the variety of asemics approaches I've seen here. It;s just great! It seems to me that while we all have our own handwriting and aesthetic interests and I like the 'game' of labeling I am curious about stridently seeing work as 'in' or 'out'.
Mar 26, 2013
Kerri Pullo
DVS-
"i don't care how many friends i lose over this Asemic bullshit...the theory is bad the practice as an art form is totally flawed and i will not put up with blatant silliness i'm getting totally pissed off with these fools they seem to have so little knowledge of what they are making and doing!!!! really getting to me!!!!" - PS
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
You know, you can only feel pity about reactionary stances.
When I was in school I would write about postmodernism and inevitably some professor would haul me in and say: "There's no such thing as postmodernism."
The more the denial grows of the existence of a thing the more likely it is that thing exists.
Mar 26, 2013
Kerri Pullo
Sunshine on my shoulders, makes me happy.
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
I need to be responsible here. This is a conversation that took place somewhere else and we're ripping this guy a new a____e (including me) and he's not even here.
Kerri, we love you and your work.
Anyone have some asemic mail-art they's like to post? Someone's birthday? A picture of your cat? Anything?
Mar 26, 2013
Kerri Pullo
It's going to be a bright, bright, bright, bright, sunshiny day!
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Let's all chant to the Plastic Buddha here folks,
Let's not give into the flaws of the Old Culture. We know a better way,
Mar 26, 2013
Kerri Pullo
Mar 26, 2013
Kerri Pullo
what? you said cat!
Mar 26, 2013
Bradford
I suppose that those opposed to Asemic endeavors are also dismissive of art therapy and other closely-related media associated with expression rooted in the subconscious. How ironic.
Mar 26, 2013
Alicia Starr
Mar 26, 2013
John M. Bennett
C Mehrl Bennett & John M. Bennett
Mar 26, 2013
Alicia Starr
Looks like Asemics to me John.
instinctual, impulsive, thoughtful, planned markings. to be deciphered or not to be decipered.
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
I want to make sure Pete Spence knows he is welcome to join this group & enter into any dialogue in a non-confrontational and supportive way.
I have been an admirer of his work and it breaks my heart to see a historic figure like that reduced to trolling the net and posting embarrassing comments that undermine the confidence of especially emerging artists. We all go through rough patches, so maybe we should send him some mail-art to remind him what this is all really about.
Thank you all for having some restraint in not joining in a public gutting.
I do believe asemic writing is an especially vibrant area right now thanks to both brilliant established and emerging practitioners.
I also believe the theory is particularly compelling and sound. Just wanted to make that clear.
Mar 26, 2013
Kerri Pullo
I am sorry. I extend my apologies for this mess. My feelings were hurt and I acted childishly. Thank you all for your support and guidance.
Mar 26, 2013
De Villo Sloan
You have no reason to apologize. Forget it and please keep making your wonderful art. (And listen to Dylan's "The Boxer" cuz tht's what the biz is about).
Mar 26, 2013
Guido Vermeulen
FRIENDLY GAMES / KIKO / SO CLOSE
Mar 27, 2013
Christopher Skinner
Like most people, I do not personally appreciate everything posted as asemic here at IUOMA, but respect and value the work and thoughts of those who are exploring and enjoying the inspiration, as well as the sense of community and collaboration that is a big part of what we are all here for. A healthy discussion needs participation on all sides though, and occasionally, someone is bound to 'rattle the cage and set the dogs barking.'
It has been very inspirational to read the recent comments by regular contributors to this forum, that have been both mature and respectful. Thank you. The Internet can be a bitchy place to be sometimes and I'm glad that the IUOMA asemic group isn't part of that. And a bit proud.
Kerri, you are very well respected for your asemic work here. DVS, you are absolutely right about denial and the existence of things; when the boundaries are set, there is absolutely no prospect of progression. What is asemic if it is not constantly evolving and being something that it is not?
One must consider the motive behind Pete Spence's original comments - whatever they were - I have not read them and cannot judge them - but I assume that he has his reasons for what he said.
Voltaire said "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."
Wise words.
Mar 27, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Christopher, thank you for the insights.
Guido, thank you for posting the asemics
I hope people will not feel at all bashful about continuing to post their work. The discussion was related to a collab book by Kerri & Guido. But the comment in question was posted on Facebook & not in this group.
Mar 27, 2013
Kerri Pullo
Mar 28, 2013
Kerri Pullo
Mar 28, 2013
PIRO
Kerri i got your beautiful work on Tuesday. Thanks for it.
Mar 28, 2013
Kerri Pullo
Roberto you are very welcome! I am glad you like it!
Mar 28, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Rebecca Guyver did a very nice blog of the Pullo-Vermeulen collab book:
http://thepostalleger.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/guido-sends-me-vermeul...
Mar 28, 2013
Guido Vermeulen
Volume 6 of Cheryl Penn’s compilation zine called TOWN ASEMICS IN A MAIL ART WORLD.
Contributors are:
Sue Hobbs, Rr Anon, Lesley Magwood Fraser, Cheryl Penn (South Africa)
Katerina Nikoltsou (Greece)
Rob Grant, David Dellafiora, Jack Ouden (Australia)
Guido Vermeulen, Bernd Reichert (Belgium)
PC Tictac, Svenja Wahl (Germany)
Alicia Starr, Zea Morvitz, Michael Jacobson, Andrew Topel, Reed Altemus (USA)
Alexander Limarev (Russia)
Vittore Baroni, Claudio Romeo, Marino Morlini, Tiziana Baracchi, Serse Luigetti (Italy)
Erich Sundermann (Austria)
Rosa Gravino (Argentina)
Note 1
Cheryl made an error and listed Michael Jacobson as Italian, so correct this in the compilation, please.
Cheryl asked me also to act as go-between with Pete Spence and to invite him to participate in the editions of mail art makes the world a town. We’ll see how that goes. Pete is an outstanding poet and visual poet with strong personal opinions (like most of us)
Mar 29, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Thanks Guido. Count on Cheryl to be the diplomat on all levels!
Mar 29, 2013
Kerri Pullo
wow fantastic Guido!
Mar 29, 2013
Alicia Starr
A few more pages from Town Asemics, Ed. 6. 1st pic: Zia Morvitz, USA,
2nd pic: Cheryl Penn, S. Africa, 3rd pic: TicTac, Germany
Mar 29, 2013
De Villo Sloan
I have received a package of spectacular work from Fatima Queiroz in Brazil. Here is one:
http://minxuslynxus2.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/minxus-mail-bag-fatim...
Mar 29, 2013
Guido Vermeulen
Outstanding work by FQ, clearly computer works, I miss the works done with a simple typewriter but that is just me!
Do you know the works from Alan Riddle?
Mar 30, 2013
De Villo Sloan
Guido, I do remember Alan Riddell as well as the vispo or concrete poetry some folks call Typewriter Art. Here is a piece by Karl Kempton that was made all with a typewriter, nothing digital:
Mar 30, 2013
De Villo Sloan
from Karl Kempton's "deep square wave structure"
Mar 30, 2013
Kerri Pullo
Mar 30, 2013