Mail art

Now here's a new opportunity for creation - decorating envelopes. And why not. How much more exciting after all to have a piece of art dropping through your letter box than a plain white envelope - or, even worse, a brown one with the words Inland Revenue written on.

This really set my mind thinking. Why are envelopes normally so dull? Wouldn't it be fun to create some just a little more interesting. Why should they be devoid of colour and line? Many artists are already creating mail art, but why can't we make this mainstream? What sort of envelope would a creative soul at the tax office really like to use? Something that suggests they've got their eye on you perhaps? I resolved there and then to practice my sketching on envelopes from now on and use them to brighten the mail of the unsuspecting. This week I will complete my VAT return and use this to send it off in. Perhaps it will inspire someone at the Revenue...

Coloured pencil and ink pen on envelope.