Mail Art

What is Mail Art?

Mail Art is essentially any item that may be created and sent through the mail. Envelopes, cards and post cards are the most often seen forms of mail art, but virtually anything that can be mailed can be turned into Mail Art. As long as there is a clear space for an address and postage and it isn't dangerous to ship, it can be mailed. The US post office charges regular postage for shipping postcards and envelopes unless they are oversized or contain elements which are not machinable. If your art has brads, lace, projecting pieces, etc there is an extra fee for posting these. It's usually only .12 cents extra unless the item weighs quite a bit.

Mail Artists all over the world create works of art, then put them into the hands of the postal gods. Hopefully they will get where they are going in one piece. Postmarks, small tears and machine marks made during transit then become part of the art.

I prefer creating 4" x 6" postcards. They are easily packed into my art kit so they can travel wherever I go. I am then able to make art whenever the mood strikes me. Also, postcards are visible to everyone who sees them on their journey. I feel this is a great way to expose others to spiritual art without their ever realizing that is what is happening.

There are numerous web sites out there dealing with mail art. Most will list "mail art calls" either with a deadline and theme or without a deadline but a central theme to go by. I've begun an ongoing mail art project entitled 'Goddesses of the World'. I am asking folks to send me their 4" x 6" postcards of their depictions of the goddess and in return I will send them mine. If you are interested in this project, please email me for my address. Be sure to send your address as well so I can send you a card in return!