Going Postal -> Want to start a mail art exchange?

[k-leigh-m]

After 2 months of traveling I finally have an address and a mailbox. I also have a stack of 1970s McCall's Needlework & Crafts magazines that make ideal envelopes, after page upon page of crochet jumpsuit wearing models are torn out, folded, and adorned with a stamp leftover from Christmas.

Now, I could send away for magazine subscriptions and stand on the doorstep once a month, salivating over the mail carrier's appearance with the latest copy of Cabinet. But I'd rather be surprised by something handmade from you, in exchange for something cut-and-pasted from me.

Any takers?

**And for more on mail art, check out this essay by former Utne Reader librarian and mail art aficionado Chris Dodge.

[Alex Wrekk]

It's pretty hilarious that I'm posting this from the room next door!

[Samantha Trees]

SO IN!

I'll send you my mailing address if you can approve my friends request. All summer I have been running around doing activist events, and have kept my sanity by telling myself that this fall and winter will be CALM and CRAFT-filled!

[Billy Da Bunny]

I love mail! Send me stuff, I'll send back!

-billy-
PO Box 470507
Chicago, IL 60647-0507

[Hannah]

absolutely! i love mail, and i love making little artsy things to send to others, so this sounds right up my alley. my address is:

Hannah
Box 7724
1001 E. University Ave.
Georgetown TX 78626

[Krissy PonyBoy Press]

I don't know if I have ever really done mail art. I am a little confused if what is inside is supposed to be art too or just the outside? Anyway, count me in:

PonyBoy Press
po box 14613
Portland, OR 97293

[Emma Stronach]

I just read the article that you posted, I love your idea and would definitely want to be in on it :) I'm an artist, and am obsessed with getting/sending mail :)

Um... where is your address though? Am I allowed to send mail art to people that have commented on this list as well?

[Emma Stronach]

Thanks for your awesome answer, I'm glad that the scope is broad spectrum. Being a temperamental artists I don't follow rules too well :P

So in this case, I think I will send artworks measuring about the same dimensions as a normal envelope :)

sailor H said:

I think this would be FAB to send art mail bits around, if one is so inclined! I was chopping onions for soup and thought of this, as well! This is me giving consent to anyone sending me mail art!

Krissy Pony Boy Press---

Mail art can be interpreted lots of ways, just like zines. For me, a huge part of the experiment is seeing how the process of the postal system affects what's on the outside surfaces- a unique patina, if you will. I like to send big postcards made with fabric and paper because they're interesting and have more substance to grab than junk mail.

And I get a kick out of paying an extra 17 cents for the "non-machineable" fee!

Other folks out there:
How do YOU define mail art? (without giving away the zest behind your creations that we might see in the mail, of course!)

Emma Stronach said:

I just read the article that you posted, I love your idea and would definitely want to be in on it :) I'm an artist, and am obsessed with getting/sending mail :)

Um... where is your address though? Am I allowed to send mail art to people that have commented on this list as well?

[Grrrl Zines A-Go-Go]

Along the same lines, I joined sendsomething.net.
I wish more people would join! It seems fun!

http://www.sendsomething.net/hello/view?user_id=930

[ashlee swanson]

i like exchanging mail!

ashlee swanson
8150 w 30 1/2 st. #306
st. louis park, mn 55426

[k-leigh-m]

Great idea! Thanks for the link.

Grrrl Zines A-Go-Go said:

Along the same lines, I joined sendsomething.net.
I wish more people would join! It seems fun!

http://www.sendsomething.net/hello/view?user_id=930

[Lynn]

I'm interested, I do mail art. Send me a private message if anyone wants to exchange mail art, postcards, etc.

[Amazing Sunflower]

Am I too late to get in on this? I love mail and I love being crafty and creative.

I was so lucky to be sent one of Sailor's postcards. It is soooooo lovely.

Anyway, anyone who sends me something will get something neat-o in return.

My address is this

Chantel G.
PO Box 1483
Lawrence, KS 66044

This is a good way to get myself to create! Thanks!