I’ve always had a thing for postcards. I’ve bought them, sent them, swapped them and collected them for years. (Last year I was inspired to design a collection of postcards from my own photography to raise money for a local charity.)

Did you know that there is even a name for postcard collecting? Deltiology. That must make me a deltiologist! And you too possibly…Tell that one to your friends.

So why do I love postcards?

I see them as fascinating little pieces of public art that are affordable and available to all.

And since they’re not enclosed in an envelope when they’re put in the postal system, people other than the sender and receiver can see and enjoy them as they travel through the mail.

When I heard that the incomparable Kat Sloma was organizing a postcard swap I couldn’t wait to participate. Kat is the wonderful photographic artist behind Liberate Your Art.

Kat started this swap three years ago to encourage people to create, share and connect through their art. And I, for one, am very grateful for her inspiration and all her efforts to bring this lovely idea to life!

What postcards did I receive in the swap?

I’m thrilled with the artful, heartfelt and diverse postcards I received from Michelle, Sarah H, Rebecca, Eileen and Sarah. And of course Kat.

Michelle writes: “Wherever you go, whatever you do, know that you are so very special. Trust that truth.” A sweet message and isn’t this just the coolest bicycle?

From Sarah Huizenga

Sarah writes: “Greetings from Holland, Michigan. This picture is of the doors of our lighthouse Big Red located on Lake Michigan.” Sarah loves exploring and documenting the visual riches in her environment. See more gorgeous shots of Big Red on Sarah’s blog.

I first met Sarah virtually when we both signed up for an online course with Kim Klassen. As online buddies, it is a special treat to get one of her postcards.

From Rebecca Gallimaufry

Rebecca writes: “All your life you were only waiting for this moment to be free.” Thanks, Rebecca, for this line from one of my very favorite songs and beautiful evocative image….

From Eileen Harwood

Eileen writes: “Live. Laugh. Love. Create!!” I was delighted also to get one of Eileen’s postcards. I first got to know her unique style when we both took an online course with Kat Sloma last year. She tells me that this image is of a turn-of-the-century (19th) railroad baron’s house on a hill overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. As someone who often visits and does the tours she loves that this roof can be seen from inside only if you tour the very top portion of the house and take the time to look into the peak like this through some interior windows. A fabulous and intriguing view, Eileen.

From Sarah

Sarah says: “This swap spurs me on to be more creative and think outside the box. I hope my little card will do the same for you. ;)” Absolutely, Sarah. I love your adorable creation and looking at your postcard will always remind me to spread my wings creatively.

“Adorned and Alone” from Kat Sloma

And Kat’s postcard this year — always a wonderful surprise — is stunning, as is the rest of her art. If you’d like to follow the fascinating work of an exceptional photographic artist, just check out Kat’s site.

Kat believes: “we all have a unique vision of the world, there is no right or wrong point of view. Everyone’s voice deserves recognition in the conversation, thus making the world a richer place. Being an artist is a choice we make, by creating and sharing our vision.”

And what postcards did I create for this year’s swap?

I’ve been taking my passion for photography seriously for several years now. It connects me with so many things I value — stillness, nature, animals, beauty, humanity — I don’t know how I could ever live without it now. I have come to see differently — to see more. I have come to take less for granted and to have greater reverence for “the real.”

I share my images and my photographic journey — my explorations and experimentation — here on my blog. But it’s also fun and rewarding to send them out into the world in more concrete form, as postcards — and this swap was a perfect opportunity to do just that.

The first image was made with cherished old binoculars that belonged to my grandfather. I was lucky enough to spend the winter on a sailboat in Florida and I brought these with me for good luck. I love this quote — to me it encapsulates so much I believe about photography.

The second card featured an image of the Atlantic Ocean and craggy rocks I took on Hutchinson Island in Florida this winter.  Over and over I am drawn back to the sea and I do think it has a healing effect, as the quote from Isak Dinesen suggests.

The third postcard expresses a deeply held belief, articulated beautifully by Marc Nepo. A simple, delicate tree flower  onshore at our marina can bring so much sweetness and joy if you stop and look long enough to let the beauty sink in.

This postcard was created from my grandfather’s binoculars, a set of dividers and an old map of the Bahamas. I converted the image to black and white and processed it with textures from Kim Klassen. I made this image because I have always had a bad case of wanderlust and would really love to be travelling all the time, going everywhere and seeing everything…

I found out that the card ended up with Shelly at Second Glance. Glad you liked it Shelly!

This photo was taken in December at a horse farm not too far from our house. It says winter in the country to me. It went to Kat and I do hope she likes it.

This last image is of a branch of bougainvillea backed by a hedge of multi-couloured bougainvillea flowers. It was processed with textures for a painterly look. I lived my early life in the tropics and I’ve always adored tropical flowers. The colours were so vibrant and fiery they stopped me in my tracks and I had to try to capture their energy and happiness.

If you received one of my cards, I’d love to hear from you!

Kat made a wonderful video featuring a piece of art from each of the participants. Watch it here.

If you’d like to visit other bloggers who participated in the swap, just click below. You’re in for a treat!