Here are some of the dots that seem connected to me -- what do you think?
First Dot
This dot just arrived today as a press release: PhotoPoetics offers to
shape your memories into a personal art piece using your photographs and writing an original poem about the event.
Samples of their work, including audio poems, are here. So if you don't have the creative talent or time to make a scrapbook or altered book (see next dots), someone can do this for you.
Second Dot
I've been interested in the explosive growth of scrapbooking, which is now the third most popular hobby, after needlecrafts and home decor painting. Google shows 1.9 million entries for that word alone. This is not your grandmother's scrapbook, constructed with some photos and clippings and a few gold photo corners. This is an industry, with special stores, papers, classes and conventions. Samples, and more samples of scrapbook pages.
Third Dot
I recently discovered altered books. An altered book is usually a hardcover book that has been altered with paint, glue, pictures, and so forth. Unlike scrapbooking, where the memory and pictures are front and centre, altered books seem to be more about personal emotions and imagery. They are intimate works of art. And like scrapbooks, appear to be almost exclusively the domain of women. Samples and more samples.
These are just the latest artifacts of this trend, which has been picking up speed for some time now, beginning with the move of family photos into the livingroom.
Your turn
To me, this feels like it's about making meaning and context from one's personal experiences and emotions. But I'd welcome input from you, dear reader. Or add some more dots to the picture. And what do you think the male version of this trend is, or is there one?