Thinking out loud

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

I am a little surprised by the widespread practice of altering and distorting the sent artifact. I know that this was the practice of the first masters of this direction, and I understand the theoretical premises of Correspondence Art, and nevertheless, this custom somewhat repels me.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

Dear friends, I am very pleased that you responded and left your comments here.

[Ilya Semenenko-Basin]

Thank you, marlies wilding. I will think about what the specific result you are writing about could be. Maybe further exchange in a different genre? For example, I can send materials (raw materials) for future collages or started artwork (for completion).

[Amanda Becerra]

I agree Mel Anie! Some interesting "food for thought"!

[Mel Anie]

Now it's my turn to be surprised. I'm surprised that a little discussion post about something deeply felt - controversial and potentially divisive - has become a thread that gives evidence to the 'life' that is inherent in so much mail art. It's all bundled together in a way that other art forms don't quite manage (in my opinion). Thanks Ilya, and all who have contributed to this, you have inspired me.

[Nancy Bell Scott]

That's a perceptive take, Robin, and I agree. I've had both negative + positive reactions to drastic altering of my work, but never neutral. The act always affects. I like that mail art is this free-spirited, whether or not I like what happened.

 

[Amanda Becerra]

Although I understand those artists who want to repurpose... I keep all of mine and bind them into books so I can always treasure them. I prefer to use items sent to me  as "extras" to send back or pass on. But thats just me.

But i also think the nature of mail art is ephemeral... like the items I make my collage art out of. At the point I send it through the mail anything in the world could happen to it. Once its out of my hands... it may be treasured, thrown away, repurposed or never make it to its destination at all. Or maybe even end up in a curious estate sale!

[Bradford]

It's not for everybody (as vague & cryptic as that may seem).

[John Gayer]

I agree with marlies comment. I once sent off a card it was returned in an altered state. I was surprised at first, but then when I had a good look at what the artist had done, I thought it was great. The work was understood in a whole new way. But then maybe its condition had invited that specific alteration. Weird and wonderful. 

[Predrag Petrovic]

 Илья, Я согласен !

[marlies wilding]

i imagine that anyone who decides to alter, and return, someone else's mail art, must have a specific intention?   and hoping for a specific outcome (which is a surprise to both).  therein lies the rub.