Last year I searched on facebook for people with the surname 'Garrud'. I have never met a Garrud other then my own family and I have always been told that I would probably be related to anyone with that surname. So I decided to search for them on facebook. There were quite a few results but not many. Next, I contacted them via facebook asking them if they were willing to take part in my project and therefore give me their address so that I could send them all a letter. Some were reluctant and seemed a little suspicious but I got quite a good response overall. In the end I sent out eight letters and got six in return which I was happy with. In response to the letters I created a piece of work using maps and blind drawing. I was happy with it but I felt that I could definitely get more out of the whole thing.
I have now decided to return to the idea. This time, to link in with my work on memories etc I have asked them to write down a description of what they have done that day and also a memory. It is important that it is hand written.
I know that doing this over email or facebook or whatever would be a much more efficient way of doing things but I think the whole point in the work is the act of sending and receiving letters. I love waiting for the letters to arrive (if any do) and I find the marks and stamps on them really interesting. The envelope tells as much of a story as the actual letter.
I just really hope that I get some replies!
