Dead Letters

As part of my art installation in the Harry Wood Gallery in Tempe, AZ I presented scrolls to be taken home by the viewer. Inside the scroll were directions for the viewer, a piece of stationary, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the letter to be returned to me. In an effort to enlarge the circle of individuals partipating in this discussion I have created this blog. Instead of sending your reponses through the mail, please post your responses here so others can share in your thoughts and comments. The directions printed below are simply guidelines; please feel free to write to anyone or anything whose loss you are touched by. The directions printed inside the scrolls read:


Dearest Viewer,

Through this interactive piece I am asking you to transform yourself from a viewer into a participant with me in a dialogue surrounding the contemplation of loss. Please take this scroll home with you and at your liesure purchase a newspaper, opening it to the obituary section. While reading the obituary section take the time to reflect on the passing of the individuals before you. Though you may not have been aware of their life you are now aware of their presence and subsequent absence. Given the opportunity consider what what you would say to or ask of them if you could. Choose an individual and write them a letter on the piece of stationary included in this scroll. Anonymity is perfectly acceptable. When you are finished please fold your letter up and place in the stamped envelope provided with the scroll and place in the mail to be sent back to me. The page these instructions are printed on is yours to keep as is the limited edition print on the back that is signed by the artist. Thank you for your participation.

Sincerely,
Lisa Hardegree