I received a huge collection of vispo titled "decompositions" from Jim Leftwich (Virginia, USA). Exploring this material will take time, but I plan to share it. Deepest thanks to Jim.
I am thrilled to share an outstanding batch of new work by Kerri Pullo (Arizona, USA) at Asemic Front 2. Kerri has been participating in AF since the start. I think these pieces mark a high point in her artistic career. Thanks to Kerri
16.10.20 Dare Mister De Villo S.,... The works of Ms. Kerri Pullo seem to suggest the possibility of "Arabic Calligraphy meeting Jackson Pollock". "Elegant" is all I can utter.. Thanx for sharing. SinCelery, Richard Canard........Post Scriptum: "The first thing God created was the pen."----The Prophet Muhammad
Hi Richard, a lot has been written about Kerri Pullo, which can be found on line. I'm basing what I say here on those public sources. Her interview on the Lemonhound blog is particularly good, I think.
Kerri started her asemic career here at IUOMA almost a decade ago. She was an active mail artist and many surely remember her.
The Arabic calligraphy meets abstract expressionism is spot on. She says Arabic calligraphy and Islamic art are big influences on her asemics (they were for Brion Gysin too). I believe Kerri is of Arabic descent on her father's side and maybe Irish on the other? ) but could not find the source where I read it). She grew up mostly in Indiana, USA totally absorbing things such as abstract art, which she acknowledges as an influence. She is, for me, yet another astonishing synthesis that gives USA culture such vitality.
In this recent work, I see her returning to her more spiritual roots, which is not uncommon for artists, as you know. I called some of these new pieces Angelic.
The fact that our humble group nurtured both Kerri Pullo and Nancy Bell Scott gives me tremendous pride.
Had f2f meet-up at Asemic Front Headquarters in Auburn, NY, USA w/ longtime collab partner (from Louisiana) DES. A very productive session, which I'm documenting on AF2. Some of the pieces will be mailed.
From Shmuel with the following quote overleaf: [as well as I can decipher through USPS overprinting] "?Writing one cannot understand has enormous power to fascinate but constitutes a very dangerous realm." Micheli Butori
I've documented the recent piece Carien van Hest shared here in our group on the Asemic Front blog. Wonderful work. Deepest thanks to Carien and others who are contributing to Asemic Front.
Aha! I found out where to post on here! Please can someone help me to understand - but perhaps that is the problem itself! I drew a bird and someone liked it and also thought it was an 'asemic' bird. Now, why is this bird 'asemic' if that was not my intent? And it is not linked directly to text. Is something 'asemic' simply because it gets interpreted that way or does it also have to have 'asemic' as its intent? Thanking you in advance fbkharhgoicqevilq3cbil4vwtbilebcrl w,bry;ilk
Welcome Mel Anie! Welcome to the group and thanks for the asemic bird!
I am smiling!
Our humble group does sometimes serve as a place to explore, "Is it asemic?"
We DO have some of the best-regarded asemic writers & artists in our humble contingent. I am very proud of this. Many of them would not presume to pronounce something "asemic" or "semic."
I can't offer you a simple "yes" or "no." If someone else can I know they will help Mel Anie. Some of our finest asemic writers do not even believe there is such a thing as asemics! They often prefer to call it visual poetry (vispo).
That said, I think it's safe to say that asemic writing is a discourse (often made by collage or calligraphy) that appears to be language but can't be read in a conventional way. I would say there is a lot of asemic art being made right now that is rooted in abstract art.
I would guess your friend saw all the expressive calligraphy inside the bird and thought of asemics. I won't commit to it being totally asemic (imho) but it is GREAT for discussion, especially due to the bird. And it might indicate an artist who might venture further into asemics & vispo.
Again, thanks so much and please share more! Anything you might think relevant! That's how this group has produced so much great work over the years.
PS - Children make asemics literally before they can speak. So anyone can do it. But much has been written about asemics & many examples can be found & and it's worth some exploration.
Since IYHO you couldn't commit to the bird being totally asemic and since you mention the children before they speak and since you mention that some asemics don't recognise its existence, I get it!!!!!!! Thank you, my heart rate has come down.
Hi Mel Anie, I feel like I've failed you in terms of identifying what is & isn't asemic.
In the group I try to be "descriptive" rather than "prescriptive." And the term asemic - as far as we know - was first used by Jim Leftwich & Tim Gaze in the 1990s. So this is a new genre. "Movements" go through a process of excitement, rejection, argument - you know. Sometimes they don't survive.
So I'll share some "Baseline" things (like in Blade Runner) for artists & writers new to the group.
Below is a postcard with what most of us would agree is asemic writing. It's by IUOMA member Mim Golub Scalin (Virginia, USA). Note that it appears to be writing, but when you look closer it cannot be read:
Below is a piece by Ruud Janssen (Netherlands). It tends to be more a vispo-asemic hybrid, which is what this group tends to produce, although there are no rules or aesthetic preferences:
And below are two pieces by our treasure Nancy Bell Scott (Maine, USA). NBS has helped shape asemics:
And here is a piece by none other than Jim Leftwich (Virginia, USA). I'm collecting as much JL material as I can & trying to document his views at Asemic Front. He prefers the term "pansemic" now. I think he sent me this when I was digging back into older work. So I think this is something he at least once considered "asemic." But I'm doing this from memory so this is not official. But this IS an example of what many of consider Leftwich asemic writing. That's about as close to the source as you can get.
By Jim Leftwich:
Asemic Front, by the way, is an ongoing mail art call. ALL of you are invited. The blog that documents the project has all sorts of fascinating asemic material, including a lot of Jim's current theoretical positions.
One more thing: All these pieces mimic the linear, (sometimes) syntax & symbol structures of most European languages. That's great
You can see some incredible work with "Imaginary" languages (but they can't be read!), alternative structures, single glyphs, work made with found material. So the possibilities are huge.
De Villo Sloan, from my perspective, you did not fail me, and you enlightened me sufficiently; enough so that I am now quite fascinated by this asemic endeavour. I like the idea, very much, but I'm sceptical. I try to imagine it but it's a very deep struggle: how do I undo the position of language acquisition? But, an envelope is in the post to you, of older pieces that knew not any of this. I am not an asemic writer but.....but.
Thanks for the new posts! Asemic Front continues in 2021 so please feel free to contribute.
Here is a piece I received recently from Mick Boyle (Pennsylvania, USA). I used it for Glam Faction but I think it has some relevance to asemic-visual poets. Thx Mick. Thx group members
FAB work received from group member Robin Jeree Texas, USA) documented on Asemic Front 2 (and here). This is Robin's second appearance on AF2. Many thanks!
The new work by Nancy Bell Scott (Maine, USA) that has taken the IUOMA-Ning platform by storm is also now on display at Asemic Front 2. Many thanks to NBS for her contributions to Asemic Front!
De Villo Sloan
Thanks Borderline Grafix - I have a set of collabs with you just about completed.
Welcome to the great Richard Baudet! Thank you for the piece by Sylvia.
And Richard your wonderful calligraphy could be turned into some very fine asemic writing, I think
Feel free to share with the group. Thanks again
Oct 14, 2020
De Villo Sloan
I received a huge collection of vispo titled "decompositions" from Jim Leftwich (Virginia, USA). Exploring this material will take time, but I plan to share it. Deepest thanks to Jim.
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2020/10/asemic-front-obtains-vast...
Oct 15, 2020
De Villo Sloan
I am thrilled to share an outstanding batch of new work by Kerri Pullo (Arizona, USA) at Asemic Front 2. Kerri has been participating in AF since the start. I think these pieces mark a high point in her artistic career. Thanks to Kerri
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2020/10/recent-asemic-art-by-kerr...
Oct 16, 2020
Carien van Hest
It looks like a magic curtain.
Oct 16, 2020
Richard Canard
16.10.20 Dare Mister De Villo S.,... The works of Ms. Kerri Pullo seem to suggest the possibility of "Arabic Calligraphy meeting Jackson Pollock". "Elegant" is all I can utter.. Thanx for sharing. SinCelery, Richard Canard........Post Scriptum: "The first thing God created was the pen."----The Prophet Muhammad
Oct 16, 2020
De Villo Sloan
Hi Richard, a lot has been written about Kerri Pullo, which can be found on line. I'm basing what I say here on those public sources. Her interview on the Lemonhound blog is particularly good, I think.
Kerri started her asemic career here at IUOMA almost a decade ago. She was an active mail artist and many surely remember her.
The Arabic calligraphy meets abstract expressionism is spot on. She says Arabic calligraphy and Islamic art are big influences on her asemics (they were for Brion Gysin too). I believe Kerri is of Arabic descent on her father's side and maybe Irish on the other? ) but could not find the source where I read it). She grew up mostly in Indiana, USA totally absorbing things such as abstract art, which she acknowledges as an influence. She is, for me, yet another astonishing synthesis that gives USA culture such vitality.
In this recent work, I see her returning to her more spiritual roots, which is not uncommon for artists, as you know. I called some of these new pieces Angelic.
The fact that our humble group nurtured both Kerri Pullo and Nancy Bell Scott gives me tremendous pride.
Oct 16, 2020
De Villo Sloan
I've posted some excellent asemic calligraphy by Tucker Sampson (Concord, New Hampshire, USA) at Asemic Front 2:
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2020/10/asemic-calligraphy-by-tuc...
Oct 23, 2020
borderlinegrafix
Oct 23, 2020
De Villo Sloan
Had f2f meet-up at Asemic Front Headquarters in Auburn, NY, USA w/ longtime collab partner (from Louisiana) DES. A very productive session, which I'm documenting on AF2. Some of the pieces will be mailed.
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2020/10/an-asemic-front-first-f2f...
Oct 26, 2020
Ficus strangulensis
Nov 8, 2020
Carien van Hest
Nov 11, 2020
Richard BAUDET
Nov 13, 2020
De Villo Sloan
Wow, thank you Richard Baudet, Carien van Hest and Fike for keeping the asemic fires burning at The Front with great pieces shared!
I'll get back to documenting after a pause.
Fike, who is Schmuel? I like that piece a lot.
And that is a great quote worth sharing. It's probably by Michel Butor and the name got mangled.
Butor is an interesting French writer and I guess now I'm surprised he hasn't entered into asemic discussions before.
Thanks all - more to come.
Nov 15, 2020
De Villo Sloan
shmuel?
Nov 15, 2020
De Villo Sloan
Snail mail asemic collab by Borderline Grafix (Texas, USA) & moi. Thx to BG for keeping the material flowing! Blogged at AF2.
Nov 16, 2020
De Villo Sloan
The recent piece posted in the group by Richard Baudet is documented on the AF2 blog. Many thanks!
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2020/11/asemic-calligraphy-by-ric...
Nov 17, 2020
De Villo Sloan
I've documented the recent piece Carien van Hest shared here in our group on the Asemic Front blog. Wonderful work. Deepest thanks to Carien and others who are contributing to Asemic Front.
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2020/11/asemic-vispo-by-carien-va...
Nov 18, 2020
Jason C. Motsch
Nov 25, 2020
Daniel de Culla
Nov 25, 2020
borderlinegrafix
Dec 1, 2020
Carien van Hest
Got this amazing asemic drive from Ficus Strangulensis. Amazing work, Fike!
Dec 12, 2020
borderlinegrafix
Fantastic asemics from NBS:
Dec 12, 2020
borderlinegrafix
Dec 14, 2020
Mel Anie
Aha! I found out where to post on here! Please can someone help me to understand - but perhaps that is the problem itself! I drew a bird and someone liked it and also thought it was an 'asemic' bird. Now, why is this bird 'asemic' if that was not my intent? And it is not linked directly to text. Is something 'asemic' simply because it gets interpreted that way or does it also have to have 'asemic' as its intent? Thanking you in advance fbkharhgoicqevilq3cbil4vwtbilebcrl w,bry;ilk
Dec 17, 2020
De Villo Sloan
Welcome Mel Anie! Welcome to the group and thanks for the asemic bird!
I am smiling!
Our humble group does sometimes serve as a place to explore, "Is it asemic?"
We DO have some of the best-regarded asemic writers & artists in our humble contingent. I am very proud of this. Many of them would not presume to pronounce something "asemic" or "semic."
I can't offer you a simple "yes" or "no." If someone else can I know they will help Mel Anie. Some of our finest asemic writers do not even believe there is such a thing as asemics! They often prefer to call it visual poetry (vispo).
That said, I think it's safe to say that asemic writing is a discourse (often made by collage or calligraphy) that appears to be language but can't be read in a conventional way. I would say there is a lot of asemic art being made right now that is rooted in abstract art.
I would guess your friend saw all the expressive calligraphy inside the bird and thought of asemics. I won't commit to it being totally asemic (imho) but it is GREAT for discussion, especially due to the bird. And it might indicate an artist who might venture further into asemics & vispo.
Again, thanks so much and please share more! Anything you might think relevant! That's how this group has produced so much great work over the years.
PS - Children make asemics literally before they can speak. So anyone can do it. But much has been written about asemics & many examples can be found & and it's worth some exploration.
Dec 18, 2020
Mel Anie
Thanks De Villo Sloan,
Since IYHO you couldn't commit to the bird being totally asemic and since you mention the children before they speak and since you mention that some asemics don't recognise its existence, I get it!!!!!!! Thank you, my heart rate has come down.
Dec 18, 2020
De Villo Sloan
Hi Mel Anie, I feel like I've failed you in terms of identifying what is & isn't asemic.
In the group I try to be "descriptive" rather than "prescriptive." And the term asemic - as far as we know - was first used by Jim Leftwich & Tim Gaze in the 1990s. So this is a new genre. "Movements" go through a process of excitement, rejection, argument - you know. Sometimes they don't survive.
So I'll share some "Baseline" things (like in Blade Runner) for artists & writers new to the group.
Below is a postcard with what most of us would agree is asemic writing. It's by IUOMA member Mim Golub Scalin (Virginia, USA). Note that it appears to be writing, but when you look closer it cannot be read:
Below is a piece by Ruud Janssen (Netherlands). It tends to be more a vispo-asemic hybrid, which is what this group tends to produce, although there are no rules or aesthetic preferences:
And below are two pieces by our treasure Nancy Bell Scott (Maine, USA). NBS has helped shape asemics:
Dec 18, 2020
De Villo Sloan
And here is a piece by none other than Jim Leftwich (Virginia, USA). I'm collecting as much JL material as I can & trying to document his views at Asemic Front. He prefers the term "pansemic" now. I think he sent me this when I was digging back into older work. So I think this is something he at least once considered "asemic." But I'm doing this from memory so this is not official. But this IS an example of what many of consider Leftwich asemic writing. That's about as close to the source as you can get.
By Jim Leftwich:
Asemic Front, by the way, is an ongoing mail art call. ALL of you are invited. The blog that documents the project has all sorts of fascinating asemic material, including a lot of Jim's current theoretical positions.
Dec 18, 2020
De Villo Sloan
One more thing: All these pieces mimic the linear, (sometimes) syntax & symbol structures of most European languages. That's great
You can see some incredible work with "Imaginary" languages (but they can't be read!), alternative structures, single glyphs, work made with found material. So the possibilities are huge.
Dec 18, 2020
Mel Anie
De Villo Sloan, from my perspective, you did not fail me, and you enlightened me sufficiently; enough so that I am now quite fascinated by this asemic endeavour. I like the idea, very much, but I'm sceptical. I try to imagine it but it's a very deep struggle: how do I undo the position of language acquisition? But, an envelope is in the post to you, of older pieces that knew not any of this. I am not an asemic writer but.....but.
Dec 18, 2020
Carien van Hest
Dec 19, 2020
De Villo Sloan
Received some great vispo from IUOMA member Cinzia Farina (Enna, Italy). Deepest thanks for sending in these difficult times!
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2020/12/asemic-visual-poetry-by-c...
Dec 22, 2020
Carien van Hest
New Year's Resolutions
Jan 2, 2021
Mel Anie
It's happened again! Someone has suggested this piece (that has been mailed to someone and received by them) is asemic. So, crit time, please!
Jan 2, 2021
Carien van Hest
Asemics from Mel Anie:
Jan 2, 2021
borderlinegrafix
Carien van Hest
Jan 3, 2021
Carien van Hest
Simone Simons
Made while listening to Umbrella by Rihanna
Jan 7, 2021
De Villo Sloan
Thanks for the new posts! Asemic Front continues in 2021 so please feel free to contribute.
Here is a piece I received recently from Mick Boyle (Pennsylvania, USA). I used it for Glam Faction but I think it has some relevance to asemic-visual poets. Thx Mick. Thx group members
Jan 28, 2021
De Villo Sloan
FAB work received from group member Robin Jeree Texas, USA) documented on Asemic Front 2 (and here). This is Robin's second appearance on AF2. Many thanks!
Asemic Front 2: Asemic visual poetry texts by Robin Jeree
Jan 29, 2021
borderlinegrafix
Jan 30, 2021
De Villo Sloan
Welcome to new members & thanks to all who are so generously sharing their work!
Today I documented more pieces from "Code 58" by Litsa Spathi at Asemic Front 2.
I'll keep documenting work for AF2. Thanks again. Asemic writing is certainly evolving in interesting ways.
Asemics and Codification: “Code 58” by Litsa Spathi (Breda, Netherl...
by Litsa Spathi
Feb 2, 2021
De Villo Sloan
Welcome to new members & thanks to all who are so generously sharing their work!
Today I documented more pieces from "Code 58" by Litsa Spathi at Asemic Front 2.
I'll keep documenting work for AF2. Thanks again. Asemic writing is certainly evolving in interesting ways.
Welcome to new members & thanks to all who are so generously sharing their work!
Today I documented more pieces from "Code 58" by Litsa Spathi at Asemic Front 2.
I'll keep documenting work for AF2. Thanks again. Asemic writing is certainly evolving in interesting ways.
Asemics and Codification: “Code 58” by Litsa Spathi (Breda, Netherl...
Feb 2, 2021
De Villo Sloan
The new work by Nancy Bell Scott (Maine, USA) that has taken the IUOMA-Ning platform by storm is also now on display at Asemic Front 2. Many thanks to NBS for her contributions to Asemic Front!
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2021/02/recent-asemic-visual-poet...
Feb 7, 2021
Mel Anie
Feb 14, 2021
De Villo Sloan
I've posted my review of the book "American Apparell" by Kristine Snodgrass (Florida, USA) at Asemic Front 2.
Kristine is working with glitched asemics, which some in the group might find interesting. Thx
Asemic Front 2: Femmeglitch Fatale: An Asemic Front 2 Review of "Am...
Feb 23, 2021
Daniel de Culla
Nice¡ Thanks.
Feb 23, 2021
Adam Roussopoulos
"Castling"
Collaboration by John Bennett and myself
Feb 24, 2021
Mel Anie
I like these very, very much Adam and John.
Feb 24, 2021
De Villo Sloan
Darest Adam & John, thanks so much for sharing these with the group! I spied them earlier on FB and was totally impressed. Wonderful!
And Daniel de Culla accidentally posted a greeting card in the group. That's ok but this group tries to focus on visual poetry and asemics.
There is a special SSP (Shameless Self Promotion) group at IUOMA for sharing work of this nature.
Feb 24, 2021
Carien van Hest
Callisemics no. 2
Feb 24, 2021