I started out with numerous complex ideas. I originally intended to incorporate plastic umbrella (symbolizing the technological advances that hang over our heads, blocking us from traditional forms of communication) that flew through the air, leaving trails of binary code behind them and swooped down to take a stab at a fruit (representing the traditional/more natural forms of communication). As I sat down to construct this, however, I found myself stuck repeatedly. I realized as good as this idea seemed, it wasn't really inspired by anything personal, just what I presently assumed I would feel if I happened to be someone who at one point received personal mail regularly.
Sooo... Rifling through old things I went. After quite a lot of searching, (I've never unpacked.) I found a box of letters, notes, and such that I had kept, from various people who I might have been close with at some seemingly distant point in time. As I read through these, I began to realize even though I speak to none of these people anymore, I have no idea where they are in their lives, and some of them haven't even crossed my mind for so long, their WORDS still meant something to me. The simple fact that this person felt compelled to sit down and write these words, their thoughts and feelings, for me. I, as the recipient, hold something in my hands that no one else has laid eyes on. This handwritten piece of soul is the only one. No one else will ever be given this exact sequence of words, and certainly not in this exact handwriting.
With this in mind, I sat down to create an INSPIRED piece of mail art. While it may not be as complex or as technically advanced as one might like, it is the only one. It will stand unique in the Caldwell Gallery at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, CA from June 27-August 22, 2010 (opening reception is Saturday, June 26 7-9 PM). After the exhibit it will go to the Judith A. Hoffberg Archive at the library of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
(the back)
(the front)
Judith A. Hoffberg was an avid and active promoter of mail art and artists’ books. Judith was editor and publisher of Umbrella, a newsletter devoted to all manner of art publishing and art exhibitions. In addition to Judith’s work as a librarian, archivist, lecturer and curator, she gave unstintingly of her time and energy to promote artists through her encouragement and connections in the art world.
