I wrote a letter to my love .... - A collaborative project 2015/16
Artist and co-owner of the Flying Monkey Café, Rick Beresford gave me some letters in 2015 which opened a window to his childhood and the relationship he had with his Grandparents. Rick's Aunt had kept the letters and had just returned them to their original author. The letters contain many charming nothings about Rick's everyday young life, but more powerfully, they carry an illuminating glimpse into the strong bond between himself and his Grandparents. Although the letters only portray Rick's side of this relationship, the reciprocated connection is hinted at through his responses to their obvious love of him, (see below).
Because of my interest in memory, intergenerational connections and finding repeated patterns within ordinary lives, Rick thought that I might be the right person to create an artwork from these delicate remnants of his early years. And indeed, the letters speak powerfully to me of an innocence and sweetness that is hopefully part of everyone's childhood. Additionally, the letters talk to me about the loss of something intangible and perhaps indescribable; they whisper about relationships which were once rudimentary to who we are and yet now only exist in memory.
The result is an installation piece, something quiet and contemplative, with hand-written letters as the basis. The work considers the passing of time and the loss of the presence of those we love and who love us – a universal experience – either by death or by circumstance. I am inviting others to participate in the project by providing a hand-written letter to a loved 'someone' they have lost.
Are you able to assist? Do you have a significant 'lost' person whom you could write to?
The letter doesn't have to be serious, long-winded or arduous and could be completely nonsensical. There is an option to seal your letter OR to allow others to have access to reading it. Your letter would be kept amongst others in two draws of a wax coated desk – one for open letters, one for sealed letters – which would form part of the installation and which could be accessed by the viewer. The viewer would also have the opportunity to add their own letter and the installation would be on display at Shophouse 5 Gallery, Geylang, Singapore.
Please let me know if you are willing and able to contribute. The deadline for your letter would be February 14 and there is no special paper or stationary requirements, just as long as the letter is hand-written. It can either be hand delivered to me or posted to the address below. If you are not wanting others to read the contents of your letter, please write boldly on the back of the envelope "TO REMAIN UNOPENED" to ensure that your privacy is respected.
POSTAL ADDRESS: 136 UPPER RICHARDSON STREET, WHITFIELD, QLD 4870
This project may be perhaps confronting or cathartic, so I do ask with the understanding that you may decline. However, I hope that you will be part of this project and I greatly appreciate your participation. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require further information and I look forward to receiving your letter.
Because of my interest in memory, intergenerational connections and finding repeated patterns within ordinary lives, Rick thought that I might be the right person to create an artwork from these delicate remnants of his early years. And indeed, the letters speak powerfully to me of an innocence and sweetness that is hopefully part of everyone's childhood. Additionally, the letters talk to me about the loss of something intangible and perhaps indescribable; they whisper about relationships which were once rudimentary to who we are and yet now only exist in memory.
The result is an installation piece, something quiet and contemplative, with hand-written letters as the basis. The work considers the passing of time and the loss of the presence of those we love and who love us – a universal experience – either by death or by circumstance. I am inviting others to participate in the project by providing a hand-written letter to a loved 'someone' they have lost.
Are you able to assist? Do you have a significant 'lost' person whom you could write to?
The letter doesn't have to be serious, long-winded or arduous and could be completely nonsensical. There is an option to seal your letter OR to allow others to have access to reading it. Your letter would be kept amongst others in two draws of a wax coated desk – one for open letters, one for sealed letters – which would form part of the installation and which could be accessed by the viewer. The viewer would also have the opportunity to add their own letter and the installation would be on display at Shophouse 5 Gallery, Geylang, Singapore.
Please let me know if you are willing and able to contribute. The deadline for your letter would be February 14 and there is no special paper or stationary requirements, just as long as the letter is hand-written. It can either be hand delivered to me or posted to the address below. If you are not wanting others to read the contents of your letter, please write boldly on the back of the envelope "TO REMAIN UNOPENED" to ensure that your privacy is respected.
POSTAL ADDRESS: 136 UPPER RICHARDSON STREET, WHITFIELD, QLD 4870
This project may be perhaps confronting or cathartic, so I do ask with the understanding that you may decline. However, I hope that you will be part of this project and I greatly appreciate your participation. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require further information and I look forward to receiving your letter.
