This is the collage, mail-art postcard that I worked on for the first uac event. My theme was in regard to a NY Times article from July 25, 1903.

“Twin elephants were born yesterday to Big Liz, the only female elephant in Bostock’s collection at Sea Beach Palace, Coney Island. One of the twins lived only a short time, but the other will probably survive.”

“The twins were born between 4 and 4:30 pm in the stall which Big Liz regularly occupies. A wall of canvas was at once erected about them. The babies were directly named Shamrock III and Reliance. It was Reliance that died.”

“The father of the babies is Jumbo II, whom Liz met at the Pan-American Exposition twenty -two months ago. It is said that Jumbo II is at the present time dying of blood poisoning in Cleveland, Ohio.”

I was so moved by the story of the elephants I had to express it. As a child I went to Coney Island, I remember the wonderful rides, the smell of salty ocean air and the famous Nathan’s hot dogs and orange soda.

After reading about the twins, I searched the internet for more articles and pictures of the elephants, Coney Island and Brooklyn. I used some old book paper as my printing medium and made the parts that I found look aged, then I used them to create the collage, all the while feeling nostalgic about New York.

I hope the others had as much fun planning their collages as I did. There were 8 artists attending and we had a great, creative afternoon together. Sharing ideas and getting feedback on projects is so helpful. Most of the time we are working in isolation. This was a perfect way to share and learn about each other and have a sense of community. I am looking forward to more exciting events in the future.