Imperia, 23/03/2024
Dear Friends, artists, art lovers, art supporters,
Book’s Shipping fees: Whopping high!
12 euro within Germany, 25 euro to Italy, 40 euro to UK and US — wow!
I am awfully sorry about this and have placed my complaints. Not mentioned in the contract, I never asked the publisher — my bad and lesson learned.
On the other hand, had I known before, I would have never embarked on this adventure. Fear — of not being worthy, good enough, that my work is not of value — these unexpectedly high shipping fees have initiated me into an impostor syndrome psycho-trip, confronting me also with another old big issue: the labour of my work.
I rest assured that all proceeds from the book’s sale go to cover the publisher’s expenses only! (although I do get few free books, will I have to pay for the shipping fees to receive them?)
Labour of love — so far my art has remained, hmm, “pure” (poor)?
Purposely framed into an ideological construction, I’ve never seriously made an effort to sell work. Have I used moral ethics to excuse myself out the of business of reality?
A sacred space, the alchemical mix of art; my soul bonding with my conceptual training had to remain non-commodifiable! Untouched — not just by capitalism, but also by respect, acknowledgement, appreciation: the essential elements that allow an artist career furthering. Yet, I too yearn for a dignifying social status that recognises all the professional and personal development, the time, energy, creativity, the persevering dedication, and money, and, and, and much more, and, that I have invested in my practice.
Bloody shipping fees, nearly jeopardising the dream!
Shipping fees, deflating the ambition of future publications (especially the collection of interactive poems that were prompted by the passing of Rinaldo, my beloved non-biological father.)
Shipping fees, you have triggered my low-self-esteem and confronted me with the longing for attention and love that in my case mingles with the issue of labour (definitely more work required in that field!)
Shipping fees, almost jeopardising the possibility for people to be part of this project. Yes, because from a SEA (socially engaged art) point of view, I see this as a participatory – a collective project!
Journeying with you to accomplish this milestone together has made me more aware of our cosmic interdependence. Asking for help to invest your money in my book has been a very humbling experience and I cannot thank you enough for all the amazing support and trust you have granted me.
Every time I felt too embarrassed — hesitant, your personal notes and timely encouragements gave me strength to push through the protocol of what to my standards was a fierce marketing campaign — I apologise, for the annoying e-bulk- bombardments, I hope it was not too aggressive.
This project has put me in touch with parts of myself as well as reconnected me to various geographical past timezones. Travelling the distance of time and space I’ve encountered so many beautiful memories that have shined the many faces tied to the projects illustrated in this book.
I don’t know if I ever will resolve the issue of the labour of my work, what I can say now is that the compensation I have received from you is far greater than I would have ever expected. And, talking of labour of love — behind the scene — RCA graphic designer and dearest friend Nerina Wilter, has guided me through the realms of graphics. A world of infinite options and almighty fonts, the placing of anything on a blank page requires an incredible amount of time, thinking, knowledge and work! — Thank you Nerina!
So yes, We made it! And even without social media! Unbelievable?
Thanks to you the book will be published and on sale on the Snap Collective site, only at a higher price — Blimey! (be brave!)
Thank you again for creating a moment of genuine solidarity. I am full of gratitude for sticking it through this race, for believing and contributing to the advancement of my art practice — you have inspired me!
This books is dedicated to you!
Sincerely,
Claudi
PS: the book can now be completed, printed and, yes, shipped! In approximately a month’s time from now it should be delivered to you. FYI: the book is A4 size and 1,5 Kg heavy.
CLAUDI PIRIPIPPI 