Prompt No. 2: Write a dedication in a book and present you’d give
On any occasion that isn’t already established for gift-giving (Christmas, wedding anniversary, birthday, etc.), what book would you give to someone you personally know? What would you write to them on the inner cover? What gift would you give along with it?
BACKGROUND:
I went thrifting at Housing Works in New York City and came across this book, The Forgetting Room by Nick Bantock. An already favorite author and artist.
The Forgetting Room is a journal of the protagonist Armon Hurt, who was willed the home of his grandfather in Spain. On the first page, written in black sharpie was the following dedication:
Michael,
With love and regret
Good luck in your new home
Kurt IX.98
Such a stirring few words made me wonder about the relationship between these two. Were they former lovers? Could they be father and son? Or grandfather and grandson? I don’t want to spoil this work but it definitely added a wonderful layer to this mystery.
FORMATTING:
- Write the title and author(s) on top of the first card. It could be a zine or magazine as well. Any printed publication will do.
- Write out your dedication & your reasons for choosing this work and those words.
- Include the accompanying gift & why you chose it and perhaps, the outcome you seek.
- Describe your relationship with the recipient.
- Feel free to glue a tiny photo of the front cover of the work.
SUGGESTIONS:
- Give it as a housewarming gift like the original inspiration, or an accomplishment, a performance, a loss, a trip, etc.
- It doesn’t have to necessarily be a happy event either, It can mark a terrible time or even a mundane day.
- You can mark the date from a previous year if you’d give it in the past
- Or the future if you’re waiting for a particular event
Index Card Mail Art Formatting Guide
Prompt No. 1: My Favorite Flaw
Prompt No. 3: Patterns You Admire
Prompt No. 4: Building Wilcaville