Mail Art is art that is sent through the mail and includes anything that will actually make it through the post. This could be envelopes, cards, packages, and in any type of media (printmaking, drawing, painting, rubber stamping, etc.)
Artists not only decorate the items that go through the mail but often they will also create their own postage that they use to stamp alongside the real postage along with postmark cancellation stamps that they apply over their faux postage. It’s great fun and really livens up the mail!
Artistamps, Faux Postage, Cinderellas
These are postage sheets or miniature art pieces that are postage stamp sized artworks that are made to look like real postage. Some artists do individual pieces, but some go so far as to create their own country (ala Griffin and Sabine) and create a whole story behind their work as a cohesive theme. Below are links to several sites since this is such a popular hobby!
Eraser carvers have their own niche in the world of mail art.
Electronic Museum of Mail Art (EMMA)
An electronic gallery of mail art and a nice information source with links. The motto on their splash page is “The envelope is the museum.”
An intriguing collection of mail art envelopes. I
could stayhave stayed here for hours!
Every year the Graceful Envelope Contest is held by the Washington (DC) Calligraphers Guild and sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers. They even have categories for children. Even if you aren’t artistic, you can still appreciate how lovely the winners are at this web site!
International Union of Mail Artists
A mail art blog by Ruud Janssen, founder of the IUOMA.
