Art mail

Art mail! Also known as mail art or postal art, it's a fascinating form of artistic expression that combines creativity, communication, and the postal system. Here's a brief overview:

What is art mail?

Art mail is a type of mail that transcends traditional correspondence. It's a form of art that uses the postal system as a medium, often incorporating unconventional materials, techniques, and themes. Artists create unique, handmade pieces that are sent through the mail, often with the intention of being received and appreciated by others.

Types of art mail

There are many forms of art mail, including:

  1. Mail art: A general term for art sent through the mail, often featuring collages, drawings, paintings, or other visual elements.
  2. Postcard art: Small, flat artworks sent on postcards, often with a message or theme.
  3. Artistamps: Small, handmade stamps created by artists, often featuring unique designs or themes.
  4. Mail sculptures: Three-dimensional artworks sent through the mail, which can be fragile or require special handling.
  5. Ephemera: Short-lived, disposable artworks sent through the mail, such as stickers, stamps, or other paper ephemera.

Why create art mail?

Artists create art mail for various reasons, including:

  1. Experimentation: Art mail allows artists to push boundaries and experiment with new materials, techniques, and themes.
  2. Communication: Art mail enables artists to connect with others, share their work, and receive feedback and inspiration.
  3. Community: Art mail fosters a sense of community among artists, who often participate in collaborative projects and exchange artworks.
  4. Accessibility: Art mail makes art more accessible, as it can be sent to anyone with a mailbox.

How to create art mail

If you're interested in creating art mail, here are some tips:

  1. Choose a theme: Select a theme or concept to guide your artwork.
  2. Experiment with materials: Use a variety of materials, such as paper, ink, paint, or found objects.
  3. Keep it simple: Don't worry too much about perfection – art mail is often about the process, not the final product.
  4. Add a personal touch: Include a message, signature, or other personal element to make your artwork more meaningful.
  5. Send it out: Mail your artwork to friends, fellow artists, or participate in art mail exchanges.

Where to find art mail

If you're interested in receiving art mail or exploring the world of art mail, here are some resources:

  1. Online communities: Join online forums, social media groups, or online art communities dedicated to art mail.
  2. Art mail exchanges: Participate in organized exchanges, where artists send and receive artworks with others.
  3. Local art organizations: Look for local art organizations, galleries, or museums that feature art mail exhibitions or events.
  4. Art mail networks: Join networks like the International Union of Mail-Artists (I.U.M.A.) or the Mail Art Network (M.A.N.).

Remember, art mail is all about creativity, experimentation, and connection. So, grab some materials, get creative, and send some art mail out into the world!