Liberate Your Art 2013 — the blog hop

I recently took part in  a postcard swap organized by Kat Sloma along with 216 other artists around the world. The general idea was for any visual artist of any medium to take photographs of their art (or if their photographs are their art) and have postcards made either of a variety of images or just one. We each sent 5 postcards to Kat and she sent each participant 5 postcards from other artists plus one from herself.

Can you imagine the excitement waiting to see whose art and what type of postcard would come in the mail? Checking the mailbox each day became such an adventure and was always full of anticipation. I love opening the mailbox finding a real piece of mail, from an actual person (artist) including a handwritten message — what a treat. The blog hop mentioned above is like a finale for the swap so a link appears at the end of this post should you wish to visit other participants also blogging about their participation in the swap.

Each of the postcards I chose to send were entirely different from each other (and sorry I didn’t photograph them before sending them out). Since each one was unique in its image, I chose to write a unique message on the back of each one as well. So far, however, I have not heard back from anyone who received one of my postcards. A bit disappointing but those whose postcards I received made up for that disappointment. If you did receive one of my postcards please don’t be shy — say “Hi”. {UPDATE: I found one! One of the lovely recipients posted my postcard on her blog! I see the card was a bit damaged in transit but that adds character.} It was delightful and surprising to see each postcard — and in one case, to actually feel the postcard — what a unique experience. So here are the unique works of art on postcard that I received:

First to arrive: This beauty from Natasha Papousek of musingsofahennaphile. Natasha wrote an inspirational quote on her postcard plus this message: “My art made it to you! And I hope it makes you smile.” It certainly did. Natasha actually added a textural element to her postcard by adding the little gold glittery dots. I still run my fingers over the card to feel it. That is art to enjoy visually and texturally.

Second to arrive: A lovely photographic work of art by Mel of ispeakmelsh all the way from the UK.  On the back was an inspirational quote plus a lovely and meaningful handwritten message. Thank you Mel. I love the bold colours on her art.

Third to arrive: A unique work of art from William Charlebois titled, “Abercrombie Moose”. When I visited his website, I could see he has a very unique style and, being very familiar with moose, was pleased to receive this particular work of art. This is art that makes a person smile — and muse a bit too.

Fourth to arrive: This cute little red head from fellow Flickr-ite Carola Bartz. I’ve always been intrigued by red heads and the gal Carola painted causes me to grin each time I see her. Carola wrote a lovely Eleanor Roosevelt quote in her own handwriting. This particular postcard has a bit of a story. I had the postcard for a couple days already and while spreading the postcards out I noticed something on the surface of this one. When I looked closely, I could see there were lip marks on the face of the red head. Yes, no kidding! Someone along the way must have loved the painting by Carol Bartz and actually kissed the postcard but left behind very distinct lipstick marks with their lipstick!

The fifth postcard to arrive: This artistic photographic art from Duck Island Guy. He wrote one of my favourite quotes by Marcel Proust in his own handwriting on the reverse. Check out his website for more interesting photographic art. The method he uses to enhance his art certainly makes a person want to look deeper but I can’t help but be drawn to those dramatic clouds and the couple on the beach.

The final postcard to arrive was from Kat Sloma, who organized and did all the work putting this together for all of us. It’s titled, “Adorned and Alone”. Isn’t it a beauty? I love how she has adorned the tree with the blocks of watercolour — Kat is a very inspiring artist. Thank you Kat for all you’ve done once again in getting artists together to liberate their art and share in this exciting project.

Talk about a handful of unforgettable art and I was fortunate to receive each one. Each year Kat creates a video using one image from each artist — the video alone is beautiful and incredibly inspiring. Don’t miss her video. I just watched it and the art will amaze and inspire you — I promise. One of my postcards is featured at exactly the 1:00 minute mark at the beginning (the one of the swans). I’m going to let Kat tell you about the video because she explains it so well:

“Enjoy this year’s video, which includes one piece of art from every participant. The collection is an amazing tribute to the individuality and expression that comes through art. (Be sure to watch it in HD if you can, it looks awesome! Also note that there is a pause partway through, as the songs change, so don’t stop watching too early.)”

The thumbnails below allow you to hop around to many of the blogs belonging to the participants who, like me, will show you the art they received and likely tell you something about it.