> contents / David Dellafiora - Australia / interview by Sztuka Fabryka (2000) /

David Dellafiora (Born 1963 in the U.K., presently lives in Australia)

1. How and when did you become involved in Mail-Art?

First got involved in Mail-Art in 1989. In the U.K. the arts magazine, Artist Newsletter was publishing lists of projects which A1 Waste Paper Co was sending in. I think that these published invites were an introduction for many Mail-Artists at that time.

2. Can you give us a short C.V. of your Mail-Art activities from the beginning till now?

Mail-Art projects (selected)

• "2001 Post Partum", history of the foetus in 2001 A Space Odyssey, Australia 2001
• "Mark Your Passage", bookmark project, Australia 2000
• "Custom Made" Mail-Art parade commissioned by Migrant Resource Centre for Pako Festa, Geelong 2000.
• "From The Seven Seas", rubber stamp project, Australia 1999.
• "Post It!" Old Post Office, Geelong, Australia 1999.
• "Emanations" Warrnambool Art Gallery, Australia 1999.
• "Ersatz" Courthouse Project Geelong, Australia 1999.
• "Field Study Australia" Eye Soar, Courthouse Project. Geelong, Australia 1997.
• "Splendid Lights" Diwali installation, Madame Lillies, London 1996.
• "Break The Silence", London 1996.
• "From Castaway to Plague Years" site specific Mail-Art installation, Stoke Newington Library, London 1993.

Mail-Art Publications (selected)
(note the documentations for my Mail-Art projects above are not listed)

• "Bar Stool" (assembling folio), edition of 70, 2001.
• "Field Report" (1995 till present).
  "Field Reports" are the annuals of Field Study International, these from 1996 issue have taken the form of assembling books. Participants send an edition of 100 pages conceived as a 'Field Study Emanation', works inclue performances, instructions, manifestoes, journey works, etc. 14.5 x 21 cm, pbk, comb bound, hand stamped, numbered).
• "Wipe" (1998 till present).
• "Perforated Edge", International Stamp Album, edition of 100, 1999.

3. What are your specific activities within Mail-Art?

My practice takes a variety of forms including installation, public art, and artist bookworks as well as coordinating the correspondence group Field Study. I use all artistic mediums in the production of my works and see my Mail-Art practice linked to my work one. At present I am teaching at the GATE on a course I have instigated called Boundless Books as well as teaching young adults on the Barwon Youth Options program. Since 1999 I have also been the coordinator of Breathing Space, community arts program.

4. Why do I do Mail-Art?

I think there are many answers to that question and some are based on being involved in the network it self, though taking part in projects and the other is in developing my own calls. The idea of the artist making artworks for the market place has been a model that I felt I didn't want to be a part of. Mail-Art is far more like life and is organic in its nature; money is not part of it. Its about taking part and sharing experience and thought Mail-Art projects we are able to share ideas around themes and so come to a better understanding of the world.

5. Do you have an archive?

Yes, but its still in boxes which need to be ordered, at least in countries of origin.