Friday, August 26, 2011

Art Swap

I can't remember being so excited about going to the mailbox since applying to college.

On a whim I decided to participate in Kat Sloma's Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap. I came across it at a time when I was happily reconnecting with my creative "self" after years of ignoring her. For months no one but Jim had seen any of the art I was experimenting with, and I'd begun to secretly wonder if keeping my collages stashed in a closet was a sign of some sort of fear. Or denial.

Then along came Kat.

This postcard swap thing put a whole new spin on my notion of showing people my stuff. It felt far less scary than sharing my work with friends or family because I had no idea who was going to see it. Even more exciting was the fact that--if it worked--I'd get postcards from five artists who I didn't now either!

The biggest surprise was how much fun I had deciding what image to share--and then turning it into a set of five cards. I remember putting them in an envelope and mailing them off to Oregon in July. Part of me panicked, convinced I'd done something wrong and wouldn't get a single card from anyone (like those ridiculous & annoying recipe chain emails.)

But Kat came through. In a matter of weeks the slow trickle of miniature masterpieces began. My heart sang when I'd discover a card nestled between the utility bills and Container Store catalogs. The first one set the tone beautifully, proclaiming, "We are all just a little cracked." The last one closed the loop by reminding me to chose things that scare me.

In between were words and images I'll treasure forever. Thanks to Marie 1 and 2, Natasha, Diane, and Elaine for having the courage to put their art out into the world. I hope you got as much in return as I did.



14 comments:

  1. Hi Donna! I see you got one of mine in the mail. :) I'm glad she found a good home with you. :)

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  2. I'm visiting through the blog hop, and enjoyed reading your post.

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  3. Excellent post! It's been fun to see all the postcards and each person's reactions to them.

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  4. I'm so glad that you took a chance, and liberated your art in the swap. Beauty and joy comes back to you in huge ways when you do that, doesn't it? Thank you for sharing your experience with us in the hop!!

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  5. Hello Donna
    Bloghopping the Liberate Your Art swap. Read your story. Yes exposing one's art is scary! Everybody (inc. me) seems to mention the pleasure of finding the cards in their mailbox, postbox etc. A little spike of joy instead of a belly like a lead balloon! Ha ha!
    Ann

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  6. What a great story. I too received inspirational messages. This has been so much fun for me too.

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  7. So glad you participated... and your work is lovely. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Hello, nice to meet you!
    Thank you for sharing your talents, postcards, and the experience you had... what fun!!! :]
    Enjoyed my visit, have a wonderful weekend <3

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  9. I has been fun to get mail! Especially beautiful mail, nice selection of postcards you received...

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  10. Not only has it been fun to get mail--what a joy it's been to visit so many creative blogs and read the comments everyone has posted. I would sign on for this again in a heartbeat--thanks so much, Kat, for making it all possible!

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  11. We all did well!!! Love your post and glad the swap has given you a kick-start back into creativity.

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  12. How great are all these! Sounds like such an amazing experience!

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  13. These are fantastic--what a great world of fellow artists to share your heart and art with. I had no idea....

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