Unforgettable mail-art from Gin (Knoxville, Tennessee, USA)

[De Villo Sloan]

Mail-art by IUOMA member Gin (Knoxville, Tennessee, USA)

July 29, 2913 - I am thrilled to have received mail-art from Gin. 

Slightly larger than a regular-size card, this is a a handmade (as opposed to digital) collage. Raised contours of the cut-outs are easily recognized by touch, and Gin has sealed the piece beneath tape, similar to Jon Foster’s practice (North Carolina, USA). It works!

Mail-art historian and archivist John Held, Jr. noted in a recent interview that he observed a folk art tendency in recent mail-art he has seen. I believe I see folk art roots in Gin’s charming piece.

She also creates a very (romantic) painterly effect. Carefully placed images can easily be read as a symbol system. The woman holding newspapers or magazines along with a piece of mail-art is a wonderful nod to the “woman reading” portraits and drawings from the Age of Print and the role that letters once played in romance.

Gin made good use of the reverse side:

“Unforgettable” unites the work behind a concept. The fonts and vintage images contribute to a retro quality, yet another allusion to a time when everyone waited for the newest novel and letters in the mailbox from far-flung correspondents. Who does not sometimes indulge in nostalgia or imagining simpler times?

The postage due message is an intrusion of the modern age. I gladly covered Gin's membership in the Postage Due Club. (I think Diane Keys financed a portion of her career by sticking me with postage due charges.) I deeply appreciate Gin’s kind words concerning my own humble efforts, and I am honoured to have this work.

A response if forthcoming!

[Amy Irwen]

The way the hearts hug the face, really brings that out.

[De Villo Sloan]

Yes, Amy. Absolutely Victorian!

That's why I consider the comments a collaborative effort. I got hung up on the folk art part enough that I didn't mention the Victorian element that makes it so striking. Thanks!

Others have noted that Gin tends to focus on eyes. You can see it in this one definitely.

[Amy Irwen]

love this "victorian" piece.