Four You: Mail/Digital Art Offering

Inspired by Pop & Zebra & ZINECOOP's Awwbituaries Open Call, I'm hosting an open call where folks can send me items in groups of 4, up to 20 objects (minimum of 4 items). Out of these I will create at least one bespoke art project and mail it back via the original form. I will also include companion items that relate to the final results. They can send it to me in two ways:

Via Mail

Please send to my PO box in the United States:

Eileen Ramos
PO Box 10022
Edison, NJ 08906
USA

It could be in an envelope or package, or even on a postcard by listing words/phrases/sentences and stickers and photos/graphics stuck on it. Just be sure to include your mailing address and an email address in case I have any questions.

Beyond the items could be trinkets, pages, ephemera, trash (please keep it clean), etc. I invite you to send me a disparate pile that I could really work my NEW mini glue gun on hehe.

Like say you give me a pressed flower, googly eyes, the word red, and a watch cog. I in turn slip the flower into an apothecary bottle and write a lyric essay in red font, gluing in the center the googly eyes and cog as mouth, on the topic of attention and time. How easily we let important things escape us as we grasp for empty sugar in fads, celebrity gossip, flashy gadgets, etc.

Another example is a locket, rubber duck, the word perseverance on an index card, and clothespin then I mail back a clothespin with a magnet, holding that index card but now many more attached into an accordion fold. It's a zine on that topic, about having faith in yourself when things are detrimental. The front with a drawing of the rubber duck facing towering waves. Then the rubber duck wearing the locket which now holds an affirmation, "I trust the grounding of my feet".

Turnaround time 24 days. This will begin once I email you a confirmation that I've begun, depending on current schedule, ongoing obligations, and previous recipients I'm working on. Feel free to send me an accompanying letter with any intentions, questions, comments, thoughts, etc.

Possible related objects I'll send back could be zines, books, slides, photographs, stickers, ephemera, etc. Anything I feel would be a good read to go with these projects, a cool lens to view it. A new way to explore the world.

Via Online

I'll also accept requests sent via my email wordsiheld at gmail dot com or an airtable form which can be found here. Clips, sounds, images, texts, etc. Just in case mailing is not possible. I will send it back via email or google drive, same turnaround of 24 days which will begin with that confirmation email. I can send a free game, song, blog, and/or JSTOR article/poem/book that pairs well.

Both formats will receive thoughtful letters about my process and hopes for the recipient. I will create blog posts reflecting my process and eventually a zine I'll mail to all collaborators and sell/trade.

Nothing graphically sexual or discriminatory please. I reserve the right to reject the items if I feel compromised.

If you wish, I'm also open to becoming pen pals, zine trades, mail art, etc. I love writing letters and sharing my hoard. Email is great too, just reach out.

Thank you for reading, I can't wait to see what you'll send me!