Asemics & "3 scrappers" by Nancy Bell Scott (Old Orchard Beach, Maine, USA)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member Nancy Bell Scott (Old Orchard Beach, Maine, USA)

October 8, 2013 - Nancy Bell Scott in New England sent me a stunning missive with wonderful examples of her immediately recognizable work. Above is an altered book page with her beautiful asemic writing and abstract artwork. Like many of us, Nancy developed her technique in the Martha Stuart School of Asemic Wallpaper, which inspired many participants to produce vispo-asemic hybrid pieces collected in the Asemics 16 collaborative books. Here is the reverse side:

Nancy Bell Scott's interest in and appreciation of old books contributes to her aesthetic. A very special part of the mail-art she sent is the inclusion of her "3-scrappers." I expressed interest in this work, and she generously sent a half-dozen examples. The composition of "3-scrappers" is a chance operation process that provides a form while leaving open the possibility of infinite combinations. Here is her explanatory note:

And here are the 3-scrappers I am thrilled to be able to place in the MinXus USA Archives:

What extraordinarily beautiful object poems! Nancy Bell Scott's use of old texts and materials bring a wide historical range to her work which is transformed from its context with her colourful, abstract expressionist inspired painting and drawing. Here is what is on the reverse side of the pieces above:

Nancy Bell Scott's envelopes are always a treat:

Reverse:

I am absolutely thrilled to add 3-scrappers to the collection and offer my most sincere thanks to Nancy Bell Scott.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

You're welcome, and I'm now hoping you'll post a photo wearing them as a necklace.

The red red tape was a present from a friend long ago. Didn't want to use it all up and found the last bit still on its roll in some drawer a few weeks ago. It must be online someplace by now, so I'll search as I love it too and it's *almost* gone. 

[De Villo Sloan]

Nancy, I've been interested is the 3 scrapo since I first saw them, so I appreciate having them for the archive.

DK, thanks for the comments. I'm off covering a secret, celebrity wedding right now. "I'll be back."

[DKeys]

where did you get the red tape tape? love it!

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Well, more grunge could be included--i might aim for some--it's here, it just gets lost among all the other stuff! Maybe I'll look in the several trashcans that don't get emptied nearly often enough. Pretty grungy in those. :--}

[DKeys]

Nancy--your 'trash' imports are my only chance at making pretty art as they are vintage instead of grungy.  I did try your method and it failed miserably.  I will leave the 3scrappers to you:)

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Scrappo. Or scrappola.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

Thank you DVS for this great blog, and I'm glad you enjoy these things (as I obviously must and can't help it). "Object poem" is a very nice term and could make this bout EVEN LONGER. Thanks too to all commenters. B.G., if you knew how I love socks and now love the image you speak here. Diane :--} Thanks for that adjective! One never knows till others speak. (And it's time for an envelope to you--your spot here is bursting.)  

[De Villo Sloan]

Gabriele & BG, sincere thanks. Always worth the scanning when folks like the work. (BG - got the a&p. Will keep it moving. I think it's the one we discussed.)

[borderlinegrafix]

Absolutely fantastic (nasal accent on the 'tas' in fantastic).  Makes my socks roll up and down to look at this stuff.

[De Villo Sloan]

DK, it would be great to see 3-scrap Trashpo, straight from the scrapyard. I also like Nancy's "Go Trashpo" stamp on the envelope. Scrapo. Or Crapo.

Rebecca, I called the Scrapo object poems in there somewhere. They have a haptic quality. You could make these six into a necklace, wear them & be a human book.