How to Make and Send Postal Art

Postal art (or mail art) has roots in ancient communication models, but artists are still sending creative works by snail-mail. Modern postal art began in the 1950's with the Fluxus Movement, whose credo might be summarized as, "It's art because I say it is." There are two approaches postal art. One uses the postal network as a creative method or medium. The welcomes any kind of artwork that the postal network will deliver. Friends or strangers can play this game.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Original artwork on paper, cardboard, light fabric or plastic
• Photocopies
• Photographs
• Rubber stamps and inkpads
• Glue
• Glitter, small beads, straw, plastic food wrappers, thread...
• Imagination

1. Make art that's easily mailed. Photo and text collages are popular. So is paint on paper. You can also play with lightweight, non-bulky materials such as glitter, straw and thread. Your creation should fit into an envelope rather than a box, since envelopes are easier and cheaper to handle.
2. Choose an alternate identity. This isn't necessary, but many artists find it liberating to become someone else. You might also want a different address, such as a PO box. Do whatever is the most fun.
3. Finding a network can be as easy as finding the address of one active postal artist. If you don't know any, ask around at local arts organizations. Some artists are reachable online. (In this article's Resources section, we've included a site that has links to active postal artists.) Send your art to a few of the addresses you find and wait for a response.
4. Respond to those who respond. Give up on those who don't respond after two or three mailings. Respect the wishes of anyone who's not interested. And all the time, keep repeating Step 1. You can never make enough art.
5. Postal artists often circulate lists of their correspondents. Build on their networks. Submit themed works to projects, collections and exhibitions all over the world, and you'll almost always receive a list of contributors. Your network is growing. Again, keep repeating Step 1.
6. Depending on how involved you want to be, you can travel to onsite postal art exhibits, performance events or artists' gatherings. This medium is famous for the long distance friendships and collaborations it inspires.

Tips & Warnings

• Since postal art is known for its collaborative spirit, keep the conversation alive. Prompt responses invite more interesting mail.
• Some postal artists object to mass-produced work. While photocopying is a fun and easy medium, be sure to add a personal touch so that each piece is unique.
• These are suspicious times, and the world's postal services are vigilant about letter bombs and malicious-looking packages. Avoid using metal in your art, and make sure your envelopes aren't too lumpy. Always have your return address visible on the envelope.
• Postal art is international, which means it reaches into countries that are politically volatile or socially restrictive. The artists in these places are acting in courage or innocence. Therefore, be sensitive about sending artwork that might cause trouble for the recipient.