The term "cutting corners is defined as meaning: "to take shortcuts; to save money or effort by finding cheaper or easier ways to do something." With this art piece, I wanted to play on those words in a slightly skewed way. I started saving cancelled stamps in 2001 because it seemed inevitable that the U. S. Postal System would surely decline in the coming years with the introduction of email and other means of electronic communication. Of course, the price of postage went up and up and up, while the quality of service plummeted.
I have always been fascinated with stamps as tiny works of art. So I am presenting this collage of stamps on an over-sized "stamp corner." It extends from the gallery wall a couple of inches with the intent of making it truly larger than life. I also wanted to point out that while mail service may not be as popular as it once was, it will continue for some time, jutting into the future.
But the small "installation" needs something, something hanging from it. Something hanging in the void that exists in the negative space of the southwest half. What better bit than a pen? It seems I never have one when I need it! And what a great exemplar for the dying art of writing? So now I am in search of the perfect writing implement(s) and a way to hang it (them) from my artwork in a manner that will allow it (them) to remain functional and still retain its (their) aesthetic appeal.
Deep breath...
Or maybe that isn't what this installation needs. Perhaps a magnifying glass? I want the piece to be interactive. I am frustrated at every art show I attend (not just at Gallery 211) that the viewer is a passive participant. Maybe if there was a magnifying glass hanging there, the viewer would pick it up and use it to view the lovely stamps?
Since my compulsion has nothing to do with the sale of this item, but merely with play, mayhaps we could just attach the pen to it that is used to sign the guest register at the All American Show?
I hope my friends are well and that you had a productive meeting Wednesday.
See you soon.