Postal Project, 2020
Rochelle Lawrence
Paper, ink, stamps, vinyl stickers
In light of the current controversy around the US Postal Service, it’s long term financial instability, and the corruption surrounding the Trump appointed Postmaster General, I felt that a mail art project that addresses these issues may help others understand what is at stake with our Postal Service. The US Postal Service is a public service and I believe it to be truly democratic in it’s means of bringing mail to the masses. The Postal Service is such a complex and intricate organization and this current controversy is not only terrifying in relationship to the upcoming election but also as an American institution.
The Postal Project is my way of bringing attention to this issue while also showing gratitude to the workers of the Postal Service. So far, I have mailed 85 envelopes to people and organizations across the country. I have mailed these envelopes to Senators, Members of Congress (both State and Federal), Members of the Press, Museums, and to friends and family. I created the #; #artistsformail, as a place to display and commune with these small art pieces. The project is growing and I hope that this form of activism will create awareness and eventual change.
About Rochelle
Rochelle Lawrence is a mixed-media artist who explores and communicates questions and concepts concerning those human experiences that are often taken for granted. Her work reflects wonder in response to the primitive and biological. As the global community becomes more advanced we run the risk of further alienating ourselves from that which connects us to the biosphere. Moving forward, Rochelle would like to concentrate more on social practice art by engaging with community as a means of conversation and as a platform for greater awareness of social and cultural issues.
Rochelle studied Art History and Studio Art at Santa Monica College and continued to take art classes in Seattle and Connecticut. Rochelle studied ceramics with two master potters for six years in Connecticut. After a transient upbringing on the West Coast and another twenty years of searching for the perfect place, Rochelle moved with her family to Maine. Rochelle had the opportunity to explore sculpture while earning her BA in Art Education at the University of Maine. Mixed-media in relationship to sculpture offers a venue to incorporate multiple disciplines. Becoming grounded in land and community has helped her to develop a more meaningful and relevant practice. Life in Maine offers unlimited spaces for inspiration.