Sheppey Stories Mail Art project

I live on the Isle of Sheppey, and my pieces spring from my affection for the local community. My work explores the idea of “Sheppiness” as revealed by the name “Swampy”, which some born-and-bred Islanders use to describe themselves. 

I am influenced by Jeremy Deller for his funny, surreal celebrations of his project participant’s stories.   So I wanted to create a participatory piece as part of my Swampy project, and decided that a Mail-Art approach would be both simple, all-inclusive and effective in recording stories from inhabitants and visitors to the Island.


I asked some selected people, as well as giving sets of my pre-stamped pre-addressed blank postcards to the local Bluetown Heritage Centre, the Arts and Crafts shop, and to the school Librarian at West Minster school on Sheppey.  I asked people to add any Sheppey-related story they liked, whether they lived, worked or were a visitor, old or young, everyone welcome.  The story could be bit of family history, a memory of a visit to the Island, a photo of a Sheppey spot they like, a ghost tale, local history, feelings, thoughts, a funny poem, a drawing etc.,  I then asked them to post it back to me.  I have collected the returned cards into a hanging piece which becomes part of my Swampy installation.

For the images, I used one of my photographs, two of my collages, plus a lovely image of a very early Sheppey postcard.

 

 

 

 

I was really touched at how much enthusiasm people had for joining in, and some people gave out postcards for me to their contacts and friends.  I noticed that people liked having the choice of four different images, and once an image is chosen that person thinks of it as part of their identity.  I had the interesting comment on one collaged image, "I don't want this hieroglyphics, I'll have the sunrise." "Ooh I love history things, I'll have the old Sheppey postcard."

I have recorded the range of responses to my request.  From those following the project progress - "I really like all the postcards, some really great stories." "Brilliant project, Jo." "Collections looking great, lovely project, Jo."  From others I asked to take part - "I've got a story about my grandmother, but it would need verifying, I don't know if it's true or not."  "Anything, do you mean I can say anything?"  There is a sense of giving people a voice, without censorship.  Another person said "I am really thinking about what to put on it, I don't just want any old thing"

I did receive one blank un-franked postcard back through my letterbox, I wish I could have talked to the person who returned it (kindly so I could re-use it) to find out why. I think perhaps people can feel under pressure to say yes to you, although I did try to approach as gently as possible.

I gave out 150 cards and received 50 back, which I think is quite successful odds.  I think this was a very enjoyable and valuable project, for myself and for the story sharers.  I was happy to see that so many people had such a lot to say of their ties to and feeling for the Island.