Blue Dress

I received this card from Gail Smuda of Concord, NH. She sent a note with this card stating that her earlier submission, "Revere the Past, Respect the Future" was badly damaged in the mail - parts are missing. That's what happens with mail sometimes as it goes through the postal system. Nonetheless, the fact that the postcard arrived, and another one submitted and received are great news to me. Thanks so much Gail!

Circle Z

This card was handed to me by Sandra Mueller at the CAA convention in Dallas. It became the 365th card to be submitted into the Sustaining Our Environment show. Thank you Sandra!

Sustaining Our Environment Show

A mosaic of postcards in the "Sustaining Our Environment" Postcard Show

Left, Right and below: Shots of the postcard exhibit in the Blue Room of the Janette Kennedy Gallery at Southside on Lamar. Center: WCA booth at the College Arts Association convention.

I just returned from Dallas where the 365 postcards received for "Sustaining Our Environment" was displayed in two venues: the WCA booth at the CAA Convention and at the Janette Kennedy Gallery. Both shows were a great success, visitors were amazed at the beauty and variety of submissions. The card auction raised $1,100 for the UN.

The remaining postcards will be preserved and will be displayed in future shows. I have received several inquiries towards another show, possibly in Washington, DC and/or Minneapolis.

If you wish to continue sending postcards made of recycled materials, please feel free to do so. I will continue to document them on this blogsite. My address: P. Otani, 263 Laidley St, San Francisco, CA 94131.

Thanks to all who participated in "Sustaining Our Environment!"

Chris Adams, Alli, Hannah Alter, Michelle Alvarado, Andre, Peery Angelika, Anonymous, Arby, Lynn Archer, Barbara van Arnam, Katherine Arnold, Ashley Barry, Patricia Biesen, Chris Bishop, Gretchen Blais, June Blum, Betsy Bohrer, Bonnie Randall Boller, Lana Bosak, Iris Brightwater, Mario Britt, Brooke, Barbara Bruch, Liana Bryels, Keith Buchholz, Jonathan Bull, Laura Burton, Kathleen Callahan, Karol Turner Campbell, Rusty Cantor, Barbara Carson, Donna Catanzaro, Laurel Cee, Claudia Chapline, Alejandra Chaverri, Roxanne Clark, Debra Claffey, Ryosuke Cohen, Kathy Cohn, Jennifer Colby, Melissa Colby, Marion Coleman, Colo, Donna M Conroy, Jean Consorti, Jennifer Bronwynn Copp, Emmy Costa, Beverly Cottman, Emme Coupe, CR, Amy Crawley, Derry Dameson, Elizabeth D’amico, Dani, Franciska Diemont, Marjorie Lee Jin En DeQuincy, Joan Desmond, Eleanor Dickinson, Liz Dodson, Ioana Dogaru, Linda Doyle, Cosette Dudley, Nicole Patrice Dul, Mandi Eberle, Ecole Primaire, Marie Elcin, Bruria Finkel, Claire Folkman, Raymond Fong, Connie Franks, Veronica Gledhill, Mim Golub, Chase Gonales, Sharday Gregory, Nicole Grinstead, Jo Grishman, Heidi Guibord, Cyndi Gusler, Matt Gust, Mary Oestericher Hamill, Melissa Harmon, Lisa Haskell, Trudi Chamoff Hauptman, Sara Heinrich, Janet Heritage, Socorro Hernandez Hiner, Hugo, Ben Irvin, Ann Isolde, Jenny, Katrina Jones, Aunia Kahn, Bhavik Khatri, William Kohl, Dima Korzinin, J Natasha Kostan, Joey Lada, Silja Lahtinen, V Lambert, Carol Larson, Hy Le, Harriet Levi, Jean Longwill, Jennie Lukens, Sarah Luprek, Bonnie MacAllister, Magtrev, Mailarta, Alexis Manheim, Stephan Marcellino, Lauren Marion, Soni Martin, Patricia Martini, Darlene Mellein, Kim Mendes, Mary Milelzcik, Marilyn Mitchell, Samuel Montavetti, Emma Moore, Sandra Mueller, Kevin del Mundo, Myrrh, Barb Nelis, Helen Poole Newman, Adam Nelso, Beth Neville, Nicole, Katerina Nikolotsos, Peggy Nino, Dorothy Nissen, Nelleke Nix, Neon, Nocturnal Mercury, Karin Morris, Carol Nye, Lisa Parsons, Lauro Pelayo, Paula Bianca Placio, Brenda Oelbaum, Andie Olsen, Dana Osborn, Priscilla Otani, Clemente Padin, Paris, Alina Pawlukowciz, Deborah J Skinner Perez, Amber Picchi, Alexandra Pinero, Nadia Poltosi, Elizabeth Pujalka, Cody Raxon, Ranger Rick, Gail Rieke, C. Rizzuto, Patricia Rodriguez, Susan Rogers, Rook, Eddie Ruiz, Jacqueline Ruyak, Caitlin S, Sammi S, Cynthia Ulrich Sacks, Marina Salmaso, Sam, Sari, Fabio Sassi, Kara Schlabach, Stephanie Scughula, Shane, Jodi Shaw, Mary Shisler, J Shoemaker, Harmeet Sighn, Bonnie J Smith, Gail Smuda, Snappy, Anke Snel, Rebecca Souder, Ann Fanciullo Sperling, Wendy Steinberg, Jaromir Svozilik, Yuriko Takata, Theresa, Mary Thiefels, Michelle Timm, Gonzalo Torne, Alicette Torres, Thi Tran, Lauren Umberger, Alexandra Vas, Anu Vatto, Cristina Velazquez, Vendetta, Vicki, Meagan Wallace, Andrew Ward, Tamara Wasserman, Adam Watts, Jenni Weigel, Ridley Wheatenherby, Carrie White, Patty Whitmore, Jackie Wight, Tanya Wilkinson, Judy Johnson Williams, Lee Williams, Irene Z Will, Dayna Willard, Ryl Brock Wilson, Amanda Wyant, Erica Yoder, Rachel Zarfas, B Zilling.

Gilded Cards

"Untitled." Card made with colored markers, Los Angeles telephone directory, local newspaper ads, gold leaf, glue and black India ink.

"Splendoribus" Recycled inner lining of a Christmas card envelope received from the UK with small recycled/cut images from different Christmas cards. A piece of music scales from a Christmas Carol handout, with ancient music notes.

Two lovely cards arrived from artist J. Natasha Kostan of Los Angeles, CA. She is a member of the Southern California Women's Caucus for Art.

Our Lady of Threads

I made this card from an old index card, rubber stamp picked up at a recycle shop, paint and cut threads from making many many plastic sleeves to display the postcards in this show.

Vines

A lovely collage card by Mary Milelzcik of Venice, CA. From the trash: recycled envelope windows from junk mail and recycled paper with ivy.

Apple Trees

A lovely torn paper collage by Rachel Zarfas of Portland, OR. Backgrond is recycled newsprint from a local paper mill. Trees created from paper scraps and old tissue paper.

Natural Valley

"Natural Valley 01" Part of a granola bar box.

"Natural Valley 02" Granola box and magazine cutouts

Two cards from Cristina Velazquez of Portola Valley, CA. I love the negative tree shape that was cut out of "Naturla Valley 01."

Revere the Past Respect the Future

A cheery collage card from WCA New Hampshire artist Gail Smuda of Concord, NH. Made with recycled images, paper and plastic disc.

Sand Cards from Greece

"Sun Burst" Sand painting with Aegean sea sand, glue and recycled black paper.

"Sand Mountain" A postcard triptych made with Aegean sea sand, leaf prints and reused cardboard box cover.

Four more postcards arrived from Katerian Nikolotsos of Thessaloniki, Greece. Thank you for these very interesting cards!

A Great American Pastime

A colorful double-sided card from WCA New Hampshire President, Debbie Skinner-Perez of Wilmot, NH. It is also a 3-D card madewith bank ads, acetate print of her father, tea tags and dividers, VFW stickers, paper cutter pack bubble, calender and slide. Thanks Debbie!

Found Objects

"My Sweet World" Candy wrappers, text magazine images, old holiday card, rubber stamp.

"Hope to Atone (What the Snowmelt Revealed)" Old newspaper, cardboard, crushed can, candy wrappers, straw, stamp, sticker, magazine image.

Two interesting assemblage cards from mixed media artist Amy Crawley of Bolton, MA. She wrote, "Creation of these postcards was a very enjoyable experience." Thank you Amy for your lovely compositions made from discarded and/or everyday objects!

Heal

A wonderful tactile card by Patricia Biesen of Chicago, IL. It is made with woven newspapers, acrylic paint, collage from old Medievil illustration book and PVA glue. The heart image is very appropriate so close to Valentines. Thank you Patricia!

Golden Cards

"Share The Air With Us!" Recycled magazine, photos, paint palettes, prayer papers and washi.

"Live Gently" Recycled magazines, photos, paint palettes, prayer papers, washi.

"We Live On A Water Planet" Recycled magazines, photographs, paint palettes, prayer papers, tea packages, washi.

"Dream Deep" Recycled magazines, photos, prayer papers, paint palettes, washi, tea packages.

NCWCA artist Lee Williams of Richmond, CA sent these four lovely gilded postcards. Really wonderful blending of paint, paper and images!

Four from WCA President

I was delighted to receive four wonderful postcards from Jennifer Colby, National WCA President. She resides in San Juan Bautista and is a co-owner of Galeria Tonantzin, which specializes in contemporary women's art. These cards incorporate painting and magazine images.

Repetition 1 - 2 - 3

Repetition #1

Repetition #2

Repetition #3

Three wonderful cards from Iris Brightwater of El Cerrito, CA. An overabundance of stamps received from a wildlife organization, reused holday cards and photos from various magazines on the back of the card. Thank you so much for these cards!

Stitched

"Begin the Paper Trail." Paper and plastic grocery bags.

"Thanks for Using Paper." Paper and plastic grocery bags.

Two wonderful sewn cards from Beverly Cottman of Minneapolis, MN. She writes, "Use paper grocery bags. Most contain at least some recycled paper, they are easily reused and can also be used for other things - ie, art-making. When asked "Paper or Plastic?" answer, "Paper please."

Going Green

A lovely collage card from writer, Kathy Cohn. Backing made with recycled box. Design made with recycled postcards and paint chips. Words are recycled newsprint. I love the juxtaposition of texture and image. Thanks so much, Kathy!

Three From Greece

"The dangerous roads of energy in Greece and the Balkans." To protest the new oil and gas pipelines going through Greece and the Balkans, endangering the environment...2008. Recycled painted paper, sand collage, reused "green" card.

"Black Hole." 2008. Mud painting. Collage of ruesed papers and mud (terracotta Greek earth).

"Purple Space." 2008. Mud painting. Collag eof reused paper and mud (terracotta Greek earth).

Three fabulous postcards from Katerina Nikolotsos of Thessaloniki, Greece. Thank you Katerina for these wonderful cards!

Smiley

Another fun card from Deborah J. Skinner-Perez of Wilmot, NH. Center of a playing card "smiley face," Y0 Crunch yogurt top, old Christmas stamp, Disney Movie Club clipping, Pog, piece of college brochure (her alma mater).

Feather, Wind

A beautiful card from Marilyn Mitchell of Encinitas, CA. Feather, leaves, crayon, paint. A card that reflects the weather outside my window today!

Only At The Zoo

Another important issues card from WCA Oregon artist, Wendy Steinberg. Magazine images, school smart glue stick, Mod Podge, card from her dog's health care provider. Thanks Wendy! I've also edited your first submission per your request.

Stop the Useless Killing of the Narwhals

Artist Wendy Steinberg of Salem, OR sent two cards depicting the senseless slaughter of narwhals. Magazine images, leftover red ribbon, glue stick, Mod Podge.

Walk, January 11, 2008

From Dayna Willard of Sausalito, CA. "Trash collected on my walk, January 11, 2008." Butt, fob, scraper, string, cap, tape, cup sleeve and unidentified objects.

Incense Card

Another fabulous card from artist Lisa K. Parsons of Portland, OR. She is a member of the Oregon WCA. The card smells wonderful! Photocopy of an artist's vision of a two-fold screen (Ukiyo-e). Artist unknown, 17th Century. Newspaper, purple foil from a candy wrapper, acrylic paint and herbal patchouli incense. Gold ribbon from a long-gone Christmas package.

Time to Put the Genie Back in the Lamp...Can We?

A wonderful textured card from Carrie White of Portland, OR. Melted crayon (used fragments) and ink on cardboard calendar insert. Drawing on scrap paper. I love the demon hound from hell!

Rice Cards

"LA Fantasy" Photo by Lisa, rice, acrylic paint, candy wrapper, onion skin

"Yogi LA Tea" Tea bag, photo by Lisa, rice, acrylic paint

These two postcards are by LIsa Parsons of Portland, OR. I love the use of onion skin and rice in these collage cards!

Exploration, Inner and Outer

A serene collage card by Ryl Brock Wilson of Redwood City, CA. Recycled magazine images. Thanks for the water theme!

If You Don't Love Yourself...

A beautiful drawing from Peery Angelika of Marietta, GA. She writes, "(If) you don't love yourself, how can you love & care for the world?" Acid-free matboard scraps, ink and red pencil.

Moore College of Art #13 to #16

#13"Untitled" by Derry Jameson of Philadelphia, PA. Drawing on cereal box with tape and scrap tracing paper.

#14 "Untitled" by Jennie Lukens of Maple Glen, PA. Marker, gel pen, colored pencil on recycled styrofoam plate.

#15 "Untitled" by Lauren Umberger of Wilmington, DE. Recycled sketchbook paper, colored pencils, micron pens.

#16"Untitled" by Lisa Haskell of Philadelphia, PA. Ink, pencil, watercolor crayon, handmade paper, vellum.

Dear Nicole and art students thank you so much for your fabulous postcards!!

Moore College of Art # 9 to #12

#9 "Untitled" by Dana M. Osburn of Drums, PA. Mixed media on handmade paper.

#10 "Untitled" by Sharday Gregory of Philadelphia, PA. Ink on muslin scrap.

#11 :Untitled" by Alexandra Pinero. Paper, watercolor, Nu Pastel, charcoal, ink, cereal box

#12 "Untitled" by Sara Henrick of New Hope, PA. Recycled binder, recycled paper, sharpie, pencil.

Moore College of Art #5 to #8

#5 "Untitled" by Claire Folkman of Philadelphia, PA. Scrap Rives BFK, paste paster, recycled MDF.

#6 "Forever Green" by Ashley Banning of Bensalem, PA. Blockprint on recycled donut box.

#7 "Untitled" by Andie Olsen of Penns Park, PA. Tin foil and scrap paper.

#8 "Untitled" by Kathleen Callahan. Monoprint from woodblock on scrap paper.

Moore College of Art #1 to #4

#1 "So This is It" by Nicole Patrice Dul of Philadelphia, PA. Xerox transfer from collage, thread, scrap paper.

#2 "Untitled" by Lauren Marino of Philadelphia, PA. Recycled sketchbook cover, charcoal, paint, ink, cardboard.

#3 "Untitled" by Mandi Eberle of Philadelphia, PA. Woodblock print on scrap paper.

#4 "A World of Packaging, The Whole World Packaged In" by Emma Moore of Annandale, VA. Ribbon, letters, sketchbook cover,oil pastels, chalk, marker, paper, white glue, magazines.

WCA Philadelphia artist Nicole Patrice Dul sent an envelope filled with beautiful postcards created by her students at Moore College of Art.

Bubble Collage

A colorful, topsy-turvy collage card from Gonzalo Torne of Madrid, Spain. It is made with fragments of paper scraps and bubble wrap. Thanks so much Gonzalo!

America Love It

A very interesting card from Katherine R. Arnold of Sacramento, CA. Made with black envelope from graduaton announcement, pre-glued return address labels. "America Love It" cut out from

bumper sticker.

Risks

"Real Risks Can Be Devastating" Torn recycled card from show, glitter, paint, rice, newspaper type, glue. The real risks to our oceans can be devastating (reef destruction).

"How Much is Nature Worth?" Old photographs, eggshells, reflective paint, newspaper type and glue.

Two collage cards from Linda Doyle of Mundelein, IL. Her fairytale images are wonderful!!

Five from New Hampshire

"United is the Key" Scrap matboard, foam core, clippings from magazines, mail flyers, catalogs, beads, scrap metal (keys, pin).

"We Share the Planet" Scrap matboard, foam core, clippings from magazines, mail flyers, catalogs.

"Recycle" Scrap matboard, foam core, clippings from magazines, mail flyers, catalogs.

"Garden Miracles" Scrap matboard, foam core, clippings from magazines, mail flyers, catalogs.

"Is Time Running Out?" Scrap matboard, foam core, clippings from magazines, mail flyers, catalogs.

Five gorgeous collage cards from Elizabeth E. D'Amico of Springfield, NH.

On Handmade Paper

"Environment = Changed by Events" Scanned scraps 9-11-01. Photo made 36 hours after making it home to studio at instant photo booth on Staten Island, NY. On handmade paper scrap.

"Chief Dan George Talks to Animals" On recycled hand-made paper scrap. Message: Whaty you fear, you destroy. Be fearless! And preserve.

"Locals and Grainstorage." Candlewax image on recycled cardboard. Africa 2005 near Sint Kataryne. Sustain local way of life.

"Lions Recycling a Deer." On recycled handmade leftover strip from printing run. Recycled paw handkerchief.

"Botswana, Africa." The original artwork was made with fossil salt pieces and photographed. On scrap of paper made from scraps themselves becoming a leftover scrap.

Nelleke Nix of Seattle, WCA sent these five wonderful cards made on lovely paper. Thank you for donating these cards to the show!

Elements of Nature, Elements of Manmade

Two beautiful cards from Ann Fanciullo Sperling of Mission Viejo, CA. These photographs were printed on recycled, acid-free photographic paper.

Concrete

"Concrete" C. Print on recycled paper.

"Palms on Concrete" C. Print, acrylic and watercolor on recycled paper.

Two gritty cards from Tamara Wasserman of Chicago, IL. The concrete is so clearly shot one could almost feel its roughness.

Patty's Collection

#7: "In God We Trust." Fake fur remnant, scanned images.

#6: "Candied Buttons" Buttons, plastic wrap.

#5 "Being Green, Recycling Old Ideas" Collage card

#4 "Gas Hog" Digital collage, newspaper, paint.

#3 "Financial People" Digital collage, newspaper, paint.

#2 "What a Scream" Collage card

#1 "It's in the..." Collage Card

A collection of wild and wacky cards arrived from Patty Martini, NCWCA artist from San Francisco, CA. She told me the folks at the post office enjoyed mailing some these cards to me. The ones with the fake fur and buttons made them giggle. Indeed, if we are lucky, the person at the postal counter has a sense of humor and an appreciation for unsual mail! Thanks Patty for these LOL cards!

Danger - No Trespassing

A collage card from Carrie White of Portland, OR. This card was made from newspaper and magazine cutouts on calendar cardboard insert, nontoxic glue and water-based sealer. A very effective sci-fi composition!

Walking the Dog

A collage card from Heidi Guibord of Alameda, CA. This colorful card is made with a reused print as the base and collaged with wrappers she found on the ground while walking her dog.

Credo

A collage card from Socorro Hernandez-Hiner of Fayetteville, NC. She incorporated the materials list on the face of the card: Credo telephone bill, Thompson Consumer RCA Guide and Ortega Chili label. The body of the card is a wafer box!