Algorithm-free Correspondence

Written By Mark Moran

To keep my creative juices flowing I draw, make photographs and observe, constantly.

I get my hands dirty drawing on paper and painting on canvas not on a screen and I prefer to write with a pen than type on a keyboard. I spin vinyl, develop rolls of film and make prints in my darkroom.

I enjoy pairing words and images with well-crafted letter forms and considered typography. I like print ephemera, mainly black letterpress ink pressed into soft cotton paper.

If time travel were possible I’d be jumping back in time quicker than you could say ‘Great Scott Marty!’ Seems I’m gradually ditching digital to embrace analogue.

Sharing on social media for likes is not something I thrive on and it’s become a rash that grows red raw with every scratch. I’m not looking for another Instagram, I still use it, I’m looking for a new way to share alongside my website and blog.

So I’m collating my work and thoughts into a more personal format—a letter in the form of a Substack newsletter.

When did you last send or receive a letter? Not utility bills, bank statements or junk mail but handwritten correspondence from family or friends. Do you miss opening a letter, unfolding the paper and reading it?

Subscribe and I will email you my occasional letter—newsletter really but I prefer ‘letter’—direct to your inbox. Algorithm-free correspondence of photographs, drawings and observations.

Yes, it’s still sharing digitally but it feels more comfortable. Maybe even the occasional letter via good old snail mail, stamped addressed envelopes through your letterbox. Now that could be something!

Can letters or newsletters be a more considered way to share? Why not? It worked perfectly well before we succumbed to scratching that damn rash. Let’s find out!

Would you like to receive my occasional letter? Send an S.A.E. by subscribing with your email address—thanks!

Mark Moran https://www.markmoran.co.uk
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Letter from Holywell
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Making prints from 35mm negatives