Although I send far more postcards than I ever have received, I love them. When I receive a postcard, it’s really what is written that means the most don’t you think? And I can never bear to toss them. I have a few that sit nicely between the pages of either a book I’m reading or as a placeholder in other books in which I wish to refer back to a particular place in the book. Sometimes I come across an old postcard in amongst my boxes of loose photographs. That’s the kind of special place in my heart a postcard bears for me.
Above: postcards received, sent, saved
Postcards are so special to me that I also have my own photographs made into postcards. Since most people expect postcards to be the ubiquitous “this is where I was” picture or a photo of the local wildlife, recipients of my postcards are in for a surprise. I like to think they too save my postcard somewhere rather than toss it.
I have to admit that I have even purchased postcards simply because of the beautiful art on the front. It’s difficult to send them so they remain here and make me smile when I come across them. Another set of postcards I’m saving (and adore) were a gift from another photographer. I would love to send and share each of them but I love them so very much I can’t bear to part with any of them. Perhaps as time goes by I may send a few out into the world. This postcard set is particularly special because it was a photography project in which Donna and Kay carried out a bit of a penpal venture. First one of them sent a photo to the other, to which the other person responded with one of her own. But the responses are so thoughtfully done in how the images relate each to the other. I hope you will follow the link to get a peek at their project.
“In a mostly digital world there is something lovely about receiving a postcard in the mail: a small vignette in time that says, “It’s me here, thinking of you.””
I leave you with an excerpt from an actual postcard (click this link if you’d like to see it) written by Jackie Morris (yes, that Jackie Morris):
I love postcards. There is something so perfect about their shape and function. I love how they connect people, how they can capture a moment that can be shared. … It’s partly because they need to be handwritten …
Jackie Morris, artist
If you enjoyed this why not share it with a friend or post about it on social media. Thank you for reading and sharing your time with me. — Diane
you have quite a nostalgic collection and you’ve photographed them beautifully
I don’t have a lot of postcards but I do love them. When I receive lovely greeting cards, especially art and photography, I save them as bookmarks. I have a couple of postcards that I’ve collected from my travels and yes, they are bookmarks now. I’m going to be on the lookout for more postcards!
I can’t remember the last time that friends or family members have sent postcards. Especially when the postage costs more than the postcard. Today, it’s a text with an accompanying photo. Just not the same. I remember buying postcards when I would first arrive and then write them out over a period of days, trying to write as much as legibly possible. 🙂
Hi Diane, I feel just the same about postcards – and I have a few I can’t part with either. I once visited a young photographer who had collected artful postcards from museums and she used them to create the most beautiful wall collage. I still remember it vividly – a young person without great financial means who managed to fill her home with art. I love the forced constraint of a postcard that encourages me to get to the heart of the matter with a message – another plus for postcards. Thank you for introducing me to Jackie Morris and her work! Your perspective is always joyful and I am grateful for all that you share.