When I was a mail artist, junk mail was one of my favorite things to collect. So to me, it was not junk at all!
Are you the type of mixed media artist that tries to spot a new opportunity every chance they get? I’m like that when it comes to junk mail. These pieces of unwanted mail really used to annoy me and I would take steps to try reducing the flow. It worked at one point, but I no longer do this.
Now, I look at junk mail as another opportunity to create mixed media art. In the past, I have used junk mail for the following projects successfully:
- Traveling art journals (through sites like 1001journals.com and nervousness.org)
- Altered book projects (both for myself and for other mail artists)
- ATCs and ACEOs
- Mixed media paintings
- Altered postcards (most of these were for postcardx.net)
When I really started taking a hard look at junk mail, it really surprised me how many pieces had high quality images, interesting text, sturdy paper to use as bases, and cardboard to use for templates.
My children and I have worked considerably with junk mail, as well. They love the ability to shred, explore, and make a mess. It is a great opportunity for bringing in lessons in texture, independent thought, and experimentation.
