Art Abandonment isn't just for Yarn Bombing

Often I make a bead or a piece that I “like” but maybe it belongs out in the world somewhere.  I’ve always liked it when I’ve seen yarn bombings.  They often provide a bright spot where nothing else existed.  And we could all use an extra smile now and then, right? Right!  I’ve known fellow artists who bury beads in their yards for posterity.  The ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers) has always held a ‘bead release’ program in conjunction with their annual Gathering (conference).  They leave beads out in the area with tickets on them for entrance to Bead Sale at the conference.  It’s a beautiful way to get the word out.  I have been known to pitch extra beads from the car into the woods – same posterity thought.  Maybe they’ll be found – maybe not. 

 

But, maybe I’m going about this all wrong.  Beads are popular as a component in jewelry making or just as little bits like my Grandma’s old button box.  Treasure, I so love treasure.  To this end I found a few interesting things while doing research on this and I’m posting it here.  I think leaving that unsold earring or bead for someone else’s enjoyment might be a marvelous idea – both for the giver and the recipient.

Leave it to the deMengs.  There is already an organized group for this – if you’re into the organization of it and maybe want some feedback here are some exerts on this topic – via Northlight Books and the deMeng’s:

"Have you ever creating something with the intention of sharing it or giving it away with nothing in return? This is the concept of the Art Abandonment movement, which 7,000+ artists contribute to by making art and leaving it in public places for others to discover, keep, and enjoy, with no strings attached (well, unless string is part of the art, but you know what I mean).

Andrea Matus deMeng, coauthor of The Art Abandonment Project: Create and Share Random Acts of Art, wrote, “We all know that you don’t have to be an artist to appreciate art, but I do believe that exposure to the arts is invaluable (share this idea on Twitter) in helping everyone gain a deeper appreciation for what the artist contributes to society. Art abandoners are taking on that challenge to make a change, one piece of art at a time. For individuals who find the abandoned treasures, the arts come into their lives in a very direct and usually meaningful way.”

 

You can join the Facebook Group here:  Art Abandonment

The basic idea of this Facebook group is simple:

1. Create a piece of art
2. Photograph the art….preferably in the location it will be left.
3. (Optional) Leave a contact tag, so that the “finder” can get in touch with the “abandoneer” if they choose to..
4. Post the photograph on the Art Abandonment Facebook Group
5. Wait.  With any luck the “finder” will make contact.
6. If contacted by the “finders,” post the response on the Art Abandonment group page
7. Repeat.

See more about this at Create Mixed Media

What are you doing with your art projects?  New Beads - Orphans?