 I recently started a mail art project called "CowParade: Mail-Art Style." The project came about when I started to make 4' x 6' collages using cow images sourced from a thrifted book, CowParade New York, by Thomas Craughwell (2000). I ended up making twelve cow collages, and I sent them to mail artists who are active in 'mail art cow groups' on either IUOMA.ning or Facebook. Along with a collage, each recipient has been given a cow image cut from the same book. I have asked them to create a piece of cow art to sent back to me.  CowParade: Mail-Art Style - letter to the project recipients
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Mail Artist Jimmy Connors (Germany) sent a couple more homemade postcards with his signature 'cut out' windows. The more recent card is featured first. Take a look... Jimmy Connors Mail Art (July 09, 2020)   The 'self portrait' postcard made its way to me on July 9. A collage on front is a composite of images that form an offbeat person. The base of the work is a glossy postcard. Jimmy cuts out several 'windows,' then adds other collage elements. At first glance I thought I was looking at a bandaged head with only the face exposed. Upon further study I realized that the white area is actually a silhouette of a head. It looks like the silhouette of Ray Johnson's head that I've seen elsewhere in the Network. The postcard has a 2019 Deutschland postage stamp featuring Pippi Langstrumpf (Longstocking). As a young girl I enjoyed the Pippi books. On the backside there are words in blue that read, "You can recycle, compost or flush me down the toilet." There is also an image of an old dude holding a jacket. I wonder which image is the self protrait? Jimmy Connors Mail Art (May 28, 2020)   The earlier card arrived on May 28. The larger portion of the piece may be from a clothing catalog cover or something similar. Windows were cut out, and a section of a 'blockhead' postcard was placed over it. Various collage bits and pieces were attached to finish off the piece.
Thanks for the great mail art, Jimmy Connors! One of my favorite mail pals, Bonniediva (Gurnee, IL) has sent a few mail art pieces between February and July. I decided to feature this mail here. Bonniediva Mail Art (February 8, 2020) Bonnie gave me a "Loved" collage she made with vintage images. Also received some add and pass materials.    Bonniediva Mail Art (May 19, 2020) A couple of add and passes came my way via Gurnee, IL. Bonniediva also sent me another collage made with vintage scrapes. I am happy to report that two zines arrived - BON-ZINE No. 10 (the timely Quaren-zine issue) and a cute CATS ZINE.     Howdy! The latest mail art from the tremendously talented Bonniediva (Illinois) arrived earlier this month.  Mail Art from Bonniediva (Gurnee, IL) The mail was sent in an envelope that was handmade by Bonnie. From what I can tell, a page from an art publication was used.  Handmade vintage book of poetry by Bonniediva (Illinois, U.S.A.) The end of January brought mail art from a new correspondent, Maria E. Quiroga (Argentina).  Collage work by Maria E. Quiroga (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Maria sent an awesome collage (approx. 8 1/4" x 5 3/4").  Many thanks, Maria!
The Lyons' Den received mail from Nancy Armstrong (Shreveport LA) on the 13th of January. I had friended Nancy on Facebook last Summer (at Picasso Gaglione's urging), and I've come to admire her artwork. In my opinion, Nancy's collage work is second to none. It is quite lovely the way she combines vintage portraits with things of nature. I received a copy of a collage featuring a young lady and a bird. It is entitled, "Connections." I think it's a playful piece - the young lady holds an egg in her arms, while wearing a birds nest atop her head. The bird appears to be dazed and confused.  Artwork I received from Nancy Armstrong (Louisiana). A collage entitled "Connections," two altered vintage photographs, and two awesome bookmarks. I love all things vintage. Nancy threw in some neat things for good measure - old children's playing cards, and a UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY shipping tag. I especially like the railroad tag, and I've added it to the train pages of my art scrapbook (see below).  Nancy gave me some children's playing cards and a railroad shipping tag. My art scrapbook is shown in the bottom photo. The railroad tag is a great addition to the train pages. Nancy sent mail art to me in 2018. I plan to share those pieces at a later date. Thanks for the great mail, Nancy.
Welcoming in 2020 with the very first piece of mail-art is Mr. Jon Foster (Winston-Salem, NC). Jon Foster is one of my FAVES when it comes to m-a correspondents. He is a talented artist, a giver of ‘great shit,’ and an all around good guy! Jon has a great sense of humor, which is evident by the’ random pieces of paper’ he creates. He uses his own likeness in a number of the pieces he circulates, so it appears he does not take himself so seriously. I like that!  In the photo above we see a ‘THANK YOU For Nothing!’ card featuring Jon’s head, along with a printed note (Yeah, I’m a mail-art super buddy!). His note made me laugh, and I will say it is a terrific way to kick off 2020.
In November I made 15 mixed media tags to send to fellow mail artists. It took a few weeks to complete the series, and I mailed out the first batch on November 26. The remaining tags were dropped in the mail box this afternoon.  To achieve the look of these cards, I did the following:
The tags were mail to the following mail artists:
August 19, 2019: Great mail art day, with the arrival of Steph Dodson's beautifully decorated envelope (chockful of awesome stuff)...  Envelope art by Steph Dodson (Tallahassee FL). Elizabeth Taylor, Bozo the Clown, an orange cat, a blue dog, and much more! This is the first mail I received from Steph Dodson, who has been involved with mail art since 2011. I believe my first encounter with Steph is via the IUOMA-ning group, "A TOUCH OF VINTAGE."  Mixed media / vintage themed post card from Steph Dodson (FL, U.S.A.) The layout is fantastic, and the thread stitching gives it even more texture. Mail art from Jimmy Connors (Germany) received February 15, 2019...  Postcard from Jimmy Connors (Germany) featuring his cut-out 'windows.' I had to look through my mail art logbook to see if I had received any mail from Jimmy Connors in the past. As it turns out, this postcard is the first piece from him.
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AuthorJayne Barket Lyons, Mail Artist and Collector of Stuff. Categories
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