The Ephemera Project is a crowd sourced archive of the people we love and the objects that hold us together. It is evolving into a powerful collaboration based in memory, self-reflection, and vulnerability. There are notes from loved ones and objects that signify time passing - such as the broken watches of passed away family members, the baby teeth of grown children, moments in history, mementos of a vacation and a subway ride. Simple reminders of people we love and homages to life experience. I am looking for your participation. I would like this project to be inclusive: I welcome objects and stories as diverse as we are. I encourage any age group and people to participate from all over the world.
I'm in the very early stages of this project, but I'm moved by the ephemera I've received (mostly) in the mail. There are notes from loved ones, objects that signify time passing, moments in history, mementos of a vacation and a subway ride. Simple reminders of people we love and homages to life experience.
I would like this project to be inclusive: I welcome objects and stories as diverse as we are. I encourage any age group and people to participate from all over the world. There is no fee to participate.
I’m asking “the crowd” for 2-4 items and descriptions, not one object can be bigger than 8x10” so I can fit them on my scanner. I promise to handle everything with utmost the care and send back to you ASAP.
In addition to the images, I’m asking everyone a set of questions and to describe the objects they send. (See FAQ 3.)
When you’re ready to mail to me, I’ll send my address. Fill out this google form before you mail your objects. More questions? Send me an e-mail.
On the origins of the collection and what I’ve collected so far.
FAQ.
What is ephemera? I use the term ephemera loosely. Historically, ephemera is used to describe paper things with no monetary value meant to be discarded such as ticket stubs, cards, posters. However, I’ve expanded the definition to also include objects such as watches, shells, keys, passports, lucky rocks.
I’ve found that these objects are full of emotion and store memories beyond their monetary value. It can be things that appeared in your life intentionally, by chance or that you have saved for a reason. They can have great meaning or just something you can’t let go of.Taken as a group they make a compelling portrait of ones life.
Why are you limiting the size of ephemera? I really want to send something that is larger. The main reason is that I use a scanner instead of camera and it’s dimensions are 8x10”. If you want to send something a little bigger, I can still scan it, but it may end up cropped.
What kind of writing do I have to do? The writing can be as expansive or short as you would like. I am asking everyone a series of questions, below. You can fill in a google form, here. It helps me stay organized! If you would like to write in a language besides English, that is great! I will do my best to get it translated or use google translate.
1. Title and Date of object (if you have it) Why did you choose the item and/or description.
2. What was the experience like choosing the items?
3. What was the experience like receiving scans/prints? (this is when I send you the completed images)
4. Why would you recommend someone else do this?
5. Were you nervous sending the items to me?
6. Your name, Occupation, City, State and age?
7. Your social media and / or your website?
Why should I participate? It gives you an opportunity to look at your life differently, and to see it through the lens of a contemporary artist. The project will get better with more participation, and especially from a diverse group of people of different ages and with different stories. Most participants have found it to be an impactful exercise and recommend it to others.
“In the end I was glad to be asked to participate. It was graceful, in a way, as when someone extends you the courtesy of truly listening.” - Neil
“I saw all the things in a completely different way. I was definitely nervous. After all, they are very personal. It’s about on a par of sitting for a portrait. It’s being seen through someone else’s eyes.” - Susan
“This exercise provides a deep sort of self-reflection that we don’t often allow ourselves in this frantic world.” - Siri
“This project gives you permission to understand yourself with a different language, and see a portrait of you that doesn’t need your face. I am curious to see if others will recognize me in these objects.” -Denise
I would love to participate, but I am worried about sending my precious objects through the mail. I am happy to arrange a pick up or delivery if you are local, or if I am traveling to your location. I haven’t had anything lost, but I understand your fear and can help with insurance or delivery service.
I would love to participate, but can’t afford shipping or get to the post office. Please email me, I can send you a prepaid label and arrange for a pick up from a carrier.
What is the difference between The Ephemera Project and Ephemera Commissions? The project is a crowd sourced no fee project of your personal ephemera. Commissions are fee based and support the larger project. Usually, but not always, they are collected by family members of a loved one who has passed; ephemera of a specific theme; ephemera of a business or school; or a larger amount than the 16 of the project.
Can I buy a print of one or all my objects? Yes, I am doing sliding scale discounts for purchase of prints.
Will my ephemera end up in an exhibition or book? I hope so!