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!
I did the editing and upside down way extra, because you can´t read it anymore. I thought , the not reading anymore part, is a prerequisite for asemic. Is that assumption right?
Duncan Geere, a scientist whom I follow by emails of his blog has mentioned the number system used by Cistercian monks. Although it is VERY SEMIC it looks to me and would be to almost all of us asemic. Here's a link to some images: https://blog.duncangeere.com/cistercian-plotter-postcards/?utm_sour...
Welcome new asemicists! And thx to group folks for the posts.
I am very pleased to post some new collabs at Asemic Front 2 featuring two IUOMA-Ning members who have shaped mail art in the last decade: Kerri Pullo (Arizona, USA) & Michael Kelly aka DSF aka #dsfcult (Massachusetts, USA).
I've posted a letter at Asemic Front 2 from none other than Jim Leftwich concerning the "femmeglitch" created by Kristine Snodgrass. Some interesting "shop talk" for visual poets, asemic writers & creators of image-text.
I'm posting materials as fast as I can. Thank you to all!
I've just finished documenting 5 b&w vispo collabs (w/asemics) by Jeff Crouch & group member John M. Bennett.
These were sent to me via email & I am hearing a lot about "Email art" these days so I think it's ok to share examples although I still prefer material art.
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
De Villo Sloan
Wow Carien van Hest!
Fab yet elegant asemic calligraphy.
The asemic group is awash with treasures. many thx all
Feb 25, 2021
Mel Anie
Carien, those Callisemics no.2 are beautiful.
Feb 25, 2021
Mel Anie
Swerve
Feb 25, 2021
De Villo Sloan
Darest Mel Blanc,
A component of asemics is exploring the "unintelligible," "illegible," "incomprehensible," and "unreadable."
Your proving to be a beacon of incomprehensibility. Thx so much for sharing and feel free to share more.
Feb 25, 2021
Yvonne Kettner
Made some asemic writing ( well, I hope this counts as asemic) and couldn’t stop ;)
Feb 25, 2021
De Villo Sloan
I posted selections from the JMB & Adam Roussopoulos collabs at AF2, Again, thx for sharing. I'll keep documenting.
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2021/02/a-selection-of-recent-vis...
Feb 25, 2021
De Villo Sloan
Dear Yvonne Kettner, really interesting work and I think could be called asemic.
Here is a question that comes up A LOT in vispo & asemics, no kidding:
Are those pieces upside down?
Should they appear at AF2 exactly as they appear below.
Again, thx
Feb 25, 2021
Yvonne Kettner
Hello De Villo Sloan, thanks for the comment.
I did the editing and upside down way extra, because you can´t read it anymore. I thought , the not reading anymore part, is a prerequisite for asemic. Is that assumption right?
Yvonne
Feb 26, 2021
Jeanette Geissler
Jeanette Geissler - Potsdam 2021 (1)
Mar 2, 2021
Carien van Hest
Art nouveau... This clock is designed by Victor Horta, around 1885. The irregular but fluent lines remind me of asemic writing.
Mar 3, 2021
Bradford
That's one of the most fabulous clocks I've ever seen. Hard to believe it's from 1885, but Horta was a leader.
Mar 4, 2021
Mail Art Martha
Thank you Caren, i always welcome a bit of Art Nouveau, those curves. I hope it belongs to your family!
Mar 9, 2021
Ficus strangulensis
Duncan Geere, a scientist whom I follow by emails of his blog has mentioned the number system used by Cistercian monks. Although it is VERY SEMIC it looks to me and would be to almost all of us asemic. Here's a link to some images: https://blog.duncangeere.com/cistercian-plotter-postcards/?utm_sour...
Mar 12, 2021
Ficus strangulensis
Mar 12, 2021
Carien van Hest
Those monks knew what to do with their time! Very inventive. Thank you for posting this, Fike.
Mar 13, 2021
borderlinegrafix
Mar 14, 2021
De Villo Sloan
Welcome new asemicists! And thx to group folks for the posts.
I am very pleased to post some new collabs at Asemic Front 2 featuring two IUOMA-Ning members who have shaped mail art in the last decade: Kerri Pullo (Arizona, USA) & Michael Kelly aka DSF aka #dsfcult (Massachusetts, USA).
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2021/03/collabs-by-kerri-pullo-ds...
Mar 22, 2021
Mel Anie
Chronicles of the Unseen: Greetings, for DVS.
Mar 23, 2021
De Villo Sloan
I've posted a letter at Asemic Front 2 from none other than Jim Leftwich concerning the "femmeglitch" created by Kristine Snodgrass. Some interesting "shop talk" for visual poets, asemic writers & creators of image-text.
I'm posting materials as fast as I can. Thank you to all!
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2021/03/jim-leftwich-reacts-to-am...
Mar 27, 2021
De Villo Sloan
I've just finished documenting 5 b&w vispo collabs (w/asemics) by Jeff Crouch & group member John M. Bennett.
These were sent to me via email & I am hearing a lot about "Email art" these days so I think it's ok to share examples although I still prefer material art.
Thx to JMB & Jeff
https://asemicfront2.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-decoder-outputs-null-...
The titles are fab:
"Chickpea pizza with remarks" by Jeff Crouch & John M. Bennett
"The variants of the word look to mean run" by Jeff Crouch & John M. Bennett
Mar 30, 2021