Notes for Friends

As another month started to roll in, I wanted September to be full of love and certainty. When I say certainty, this is used loosely. I mean how are we meant to feel certain about anything at this particular moment? But that was my aim.

I had started creating notes for my friends and family and sent them to Perth. It gave me this intense feeling like I was eager for them to receive my note out of the blue (pun not intended, but let's run with it).

I wanted to imagine that feeling — they open their letterbox that day not expecting any contents, but instead are pleasantly surprised. They stay surprised until they see my name on the back, then they open the envelope. It's like a cliff hanger! That's the feeling I was searching for; the surprise, elation, and of course, the thought to follow.

Notes for Friends has been a way for me to reach people on a deeper level. I wanted this project to give certainty, and to give the surprise of the unknowing. Unknowing when it turns up in that numbered cement letterbox. Unknowing of what you will receive. For those individuals who nominated their friends, it added this extra buzz for me. It's those gestures that I enjoy.

Notes for Friends (Send #1), Pen on 250gsm Fabriano Paper, 85 x 105mm.

I premised this project broadly, I wanted people to feel comfortable doing this for themselves or others. All they knew was that they were getting a free artwork and poem or note on the back. But it was more than that, it was something to look forward to and cherish deeply.

Creating these works was fulfiling and creative, I produced 45 original works — no two artworks the same because no two people are the same.

I have been inundated with individuals speaking positively of this project, I have reconnected with people, I have listened, and most importantly have given what I have to offer.
Art, love and that warm feeling I'm searching for.

Notes for Friends (Send #1 + #2), Pen on 250gsm Fabriano Paper, 85 x 105mm.