I see the exchange of letters as symbolic of the reciprocal nature of care, and a form of distanced intimacy. The act of writing notes for yourself is a practice of self-affirmation. The act of writing and sending notes to someone you know, someone you miss, or to a member of your community is an act of care and investment. Combatting isolation and hopelessness means simultaneously making the effort to check in with yourself and reaching out to check on others. In order to be present and care for others, you must be present and care for yourself.
This piece was conceived directly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was installed in my local community of Schomberg, Ontario, for members of the public to use as they wished.