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FiWebster

FiWebster
Date Joined: January 8, 2010
Last Online: September 26, 2022
Birthday: February 22, 1955
Country: United States
collages & mail art

About Me

My name is Fiona Webster, but you can call me Fi (pronounced "fee"). I'm a 67-yr-old artist (collage, mail art) & writer (mostly nonfiction) & retired physician. I live in Maryland (DC area), but I'm originally from Houston, so I'm one homesick Texan. I've been married for over 40 (!) years to a ponytailed botanist. We have no kids (by choice). We live with a pair of cats (brother & sister littermates). We're neo-pagans—IndoEuropean wiccan/druidic with a substantial dash of Hinduism.

Our cats are Stevie Ray, named for the late great blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Emmylou, named for the brilliant vocalist Emmylou Harris, who is still with us.

Stevie Ray and Emmylou

Comment on 5/7/22: Soon I'll edit and rewrite my profile. It's all still true, but feels kinda over-elaborated & stale. And don't work about all the references to the DARK. I love stuff that's happy & colorful, too.

Favorite Books

—collected works of Edgar Allan Poe
—collected works of Oscar Wilde
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
—Cormac McCarthy's early works, especially Blood Meridian
—Malcolm Lowry's Under the Volcano
—Don DeLillo's White Noise
—everything by James Salter, especially Solo Faces
—all of horror literature, from its earliest days, through Stephen King, to the latest stuff (not vampire juvenilia, though: note my age)

Favorite Music

Patti Smith (I've been a HUGE fan ever since 1976)
—plus Laurie Anderson, Talking Heads (David Byrne!), Radiohead, Neil Young
—plus lotsa stuff, including contemporary alternative, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Bruce, the Dead, old-rock-n-roll revivalists like George Thorogood, old psychedelia, blues rock in general...I'm always educating myself about old rock-n-roll, and Sirius XM's Deep Tracks channel is my ever-present tutor.

Favorite Movies

—the collected œuvres of David Lynch (I used to say the only TV I've really liked is "Twin Peaks," but I must admit, I've gotten into "Breaking Bad," "The Walking Dead," and "Game of Thrones." Also, the hub-sand and I are avid Formula 1 fans!)
—"The Ghostbusters"
—"The Rocky Horror Picture Show"
—”"The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension"
—"Fight Club"
—the "Alien(s)" series
horror movies in general (old, new, foreign, offbeat, you name it)
—but what I really love are SPLATTER movies inspired by Herschell Gordon Lewis (e.g., Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead 2" & Peter Jackson's "Dead Alive")
—and, of course, (look at my avatar (hint: that's not the late great Madeline Kahn up there)...you guessed it: James Whale's "Bride of Frankenstein" (do check out "Gods and Monsters" for further immersion in the essence of Bride-ness)

Favorite Crafts

—collage (cut paper)
—mail art
—anything Dada

Favorite Art

—Symbolism
—Photorealism
—I adore abstracts
dark artists, like Joe Coleman, Francis Bacon, Otto Dix, George Grosz, Matthias Grunewald, Sue Coe
—Dada & Surrealism
—Hans Arp, Pierre Bonnard, Paul Gauguin, Salvador Dali, Paul Delvaux , Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Gordon Onslow Ford, Ralph Goings, Keith Haring, Wassily Kandinsky, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Kasimir Malevich, William Morris (arts & crafts!), Gerhard Richter, C.F.A. Voysey, James Abbot McNeill Whistler

What I Like

—anything related to ART, fine or otherwise (I don't make highbrow-lowbrow distinctions; I especially love just about all of painting from about 1890 onward); art postcards are great!
—anything in French: Je travaille pour apprendre cette belle langue, donc si vous pouviez m'écrire en français, j'aimerais ça!
—anything made of paper I can use in a collage (you'd be surprised at what I can use; unusual & foreign magazines w/ interesting pictures especially welcome), especially if it's weird or visually dramatic
—I'm always ready to purchase or trade for unused US postage stamps of any denomination (especially those older than this year &/or with animals on them)
—anything with DARK content; think: imagery like that in horror books & movies, the creepier side of Hallowe'en, seriously bizarre were-creatures, but also progressive political imagery that tends toward the more dark & confrontational side of things (e.g., Sue Coe, Eric Drooker)
rubber stamps (if weird or dark, of course) —tchotchkes of all types that are related to horror, violence, darkness, horror movies (even if they're kitschy =grin=)
—I'm into ocean critters, especially FISH, especially sharks —I'm into fierce critters in general, like carnivorous dinosaurs, big cats, monsters both real & surreal (the scary kind, not the cute kind)
—anything useful in the way of pagan religious paraphernalia (e.g., candles, incense, stones/crystals, fabric for altar cloths, small bowls)
rocks in general; semi-precious, of course, but also just "plain rocks", like one from near where you live
—anything related to Edgar Allan Poe (or related to my other faves in books/music/movies/art)
—things that smell good (see favorites below)
—and if it's from India, I'll probably love it, especially if it pertains to the Hindu religion
—I love long (lightweight) scarves and long bead necklaces, the longer the better
—favorite colors: I like all colors! but if you insist on asking me my favorites, they're purple and orange (except hazard orange, which I think is vaguely hideous), although I don't think they go together all that well, so if you're choosing, please choose one or the other (they both combine great with green!); I also adore all colors in nature, such as greens (all of them, even neon/fluorescent/dayglo green), blues (especially turquoise & royal blue & any marine blues), browns (think tree trunks), greys (ditto), BLACK, and of course all the colors that fish & dinosaurs come in. And I really dig orange & black, both because I'm a Hallowe'en person, and because they're my university colors. When it comes to metals, I'm a silver person all the way, although I do think photos of gold objects make great accents for collage.
—favorite fabrics: silk of all types, black velvet, rayon
—favorite scents: sandalwood, nag champa, frankincense, cinnamon, vetiver, jasmine, orange blossom, lavender, patchouli, vanilla, those in the woodsy/grassy family & all essential oils
—have I mentioned I'm into the DARK side of things? =laugh=

What I Don't Especially Go For

—cutesy stuff (e.g., kawaii)
—pop culture aimed at children (e.g., Disney or Japanese cartoon characters)
—anything super-feminine: I'm not the girly-girly type
—Christian religious items
—scents that are super-sweet floral or artificial scents (especially those intended to smell like food)
—recipes (I don't cook much)(but you can send me sweets, including black licorice =grin=)
—sincere apologies if you're into it, but I think Zetti is evil; if you think so, too, write to me and maybe we can start a movement =laugh=

Swap Specific

Postcard Swaps: I'm not all that picky, so long as they're not cutesy, but I prefer PC's that are either (1) made by you, (2) reproductions of art, or (3) very peculiar. Send me your PC's that you think are too strange or dark or ugly. I adore the older PC's with the wavy borders. And I'd love it if you wrote a note about your day, or told me something weird about yourself! =grin=

Envelope Swaps: I especially like 4" x 9"—or 6" x 9", because I tend to write my letters on 8.5" x 11" paper, but I can use other sizes, too. I love envies made out of way-out interesting paper, especially colorful maps. If you're decorating it, please dial back on the cuteness, if you can. =smile= Weird is great! So are nature themes (animals, plants, whatever).

Journal Swaps: I like it when you use the journal as a journal—that is, not just theme topics & quotations & lists & artwork, but also a little bit about your daily life—what's happening during the period you're writing the journal. You can write about anything: your religion, your family, your perversities, whatever. It's impossible to offend me. I really enjoy people!

Ratings

jeka396 rated for AMA: Circles Around on Jul 27, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Thanks so much for the oversized circles postcard!!
Response: Thank you for the heart!
jeka396 rated for HMPC: Abstract Postcard on Jul 14, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Well this was just absolutely gorgeous! The black and white designs with the squiggly teal line on top, loved it! Even the address side was very cool looking! Time to add it to my postcard wall :)
Response: What a nice thing to say, that you're adding it to your postcard wall! I have a postcard wall, too. It' doesn't have an space lef on it, though. =pout=
5
rating
Comment: Wow….this is the biggest PC that I have ever received! 😄 Lucky the bacteria collages is colourful and make it pleasant to look at. Nice piece of work and good luck to you on making more cute collages.
Response: Thanks so much for your sweet words! 👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿
5
rating
Comment: Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful postcard and for sending it in a matching envelope. The explanation is perfect for my unfamiliar brain too, so thank you for taking that extra time. This was a great swap experience!
Response: Glad you liked all the Hindu mania! =wide grin=
sleepykitty rated for HEP: Purple Postcard R2 💜 on Jun 23, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for the great collaged postcard! I like its sense of movement, and it definitely fits the theme. :D
Response: Happy you like it! Thanks for the ❤️.
Lilyhax rated for Oversized Postcard on Jun 15, 2022
5
rating
Comment: I loved your postcard. It was beautifully decorated and thoughtful. I enjoyed the young girl trying to look like the statue. It sums up what I love about art museums.
Response: Thanks! ❤️
explore rated for AMA: Ocean Inspired Mail Art on Jun 7, 2022
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for the oversized handmade ocean-themed postcard! It's cool and impressive! The big fish head is... very big. LOL. I also like your quote. I will write it down. Happy summer!
Response: Glad you like it, Joanne, and thanks for the ❤️. May your summer be invincible!
5
rating
Comment: Thank you. Love the rusty collage.
Response: You're welcome! Thanks for the ❤️.
5
rating
Comment: I received your card today, Fi, just as I sent mine out..! Yes, we did try to get some kind of exchange going for a while, but some stuff always got in the way, pretty serious stuff, to say the least. I am so glad you're alive and kicking and arting!!! Thanks for the great collage
Response: Thanks, Carroll, for your kind words and the heart!
5
rating
Comment: Hi Fi!!!!! I KNEW it was from you and I love the lifecycle of this 'shroom.....always fun to receive from you..... thank you thank you and I especially love the picture of the ear plugs...... BIG HUGS...... GREAT CARD!
Response: I'm so glad you liked it... yeh, I thought the ear plugs were pretty cool, too. =laugh= Thanks for the heart!
ktk8 rated for CC: October Sender's Choice Postcard on Nov 18, 2018
5
rating
Comment: Well as always I just LOVE the postcard you sent...... I will have it on display for all the family to see on Thanksgiving.... I just love the pumpkin people.....and of COURSE they are in Paris...... Happy Turkey Day.... I hope you have oodles and gobs to be thankful for!
Response: I appreciate your enthusiasm, Katie! =smile= Have a great Thansgiving yourself...
5
rating
Comment: Hi Fiona and thank you for the very eerie postcard! I love all the old Hollywood monsters - Nosferatu is my favorite - I don't anyone is scarier or creepier than he is! And love the Poe stamp on the front - I'm steaming that off and saving it! Cheers!
Response: Wow—what a great response! Thanks for the heart!
jukejan rated for CC: September Sender's Choice PC on Oct 3, 2018
5
rating
Comment: This was dynamic as written! I am in awe of the beads from the dig blending upward to the crisscrosses. How in the world do you get it so smooth. I try, but it's not that good!
Response: I have a not-so-secret trick for smooth collages, Jan, that I'll tell you about in a private message. Thanks for your kind words and for the heart!
ktk8 rated for CC: August Sender's Choice Postcard on Sep 12, 2018
5
rating
Comment: LOVE this card..... and love that I am not just all HAT & no CaTTLe.... thanks so much it made me smile and laugh...... love the stamps also..... GREAT SWAP!!!!!!
Response: So glad you liked it! Thanks for the heart!
secretterrabite rated for MA: Use your scraps PC! on Jul 23, 2018
5
rating
Comment: Hello, thank you for your cool postcard 😎 I will definitely be up for a journal swap later in the year, after school holidays are over 😍
Response: Thank you for the heart! I'm glad you liked the postcard....
marissa477 rated for CC: July Sender's Choice Postcard on Jul 21, 2018
5
rating
Comment: Thank you for your postcard and vintage postage!
Response: Thanks for the rating.
5
rating
Comment: Thanks for the blue postcard - great leaf stamp!
Response: You're welcome, and thanks for the heart!
MamaMangrove rated for CC: Monochrome Red Postcard on May 30, 2018
5
rating
Comment: Wow! That's what I call F**K Me Shoes! I remember when I threw my last pair of high heels into the sea & said "No more!" Thanks for the reddest of red cards & your sweet note. I promise you a letter, but can't say when.
Response: High heel shoes like those are for idiots. Thanks for the heart! Write when you can: a postcard or a letter, it doesn't matter.
Angie rated for SM: Two Birds on a Postcard on May 29, 2018
5
rating
Comment: Hello Fi. Thank you for the excellent postcard and note! I'm glad we all swapped together again. What's next?
Response: Thanks for your kind words & the heart!
margaeli rated for HMPC: Cancer Sucks on May 28, 2018
5
rating
Comment: Thanks so much for an amazing collage post card. And totally fun stamps!! Happy swapping.
Response: 'Glad you liked it! I have a sweet spot for artistamps, so I guess I'm a "collector." Thanks for the heart!

Rating Overview

Overall Hearts Stars Hosted
5.0000 536 60 60
Completed Fives Threes Ones
368 588 0 0
Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Uncategorized
3 208 157 0
View all

Currently In

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Currently Hosting

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Comments

lou on Nov 28, 2017:

Please read your private messages, thanks

lou on Feb 24, 2017:

Happy Birthday Month from WIYM group!

bigmamabird on Dec 19, 2016:

Aw Fiona... You haven't given up on me and man that's just so kind and also great! I'd like another go at getting a correspondence going. I don't know why my last attempt failed..? I still have the letter I started, a couple pages worth I think...I'll dig them up and see if they are still worth sending. Written words are a challenge I guess, though I love words, and stories. Cheers!

2012ash on Feb 21, 2015:

Happy Birthday Fi.

papercaper on Feb 20, 2015:

*about!

papercaper on Feb 20, 2015:

I had to wait almost exactly a year to be early for your birthday, but I did it! HAPPY big milestone BIRTHDAY, FI! 60 years on you, and don't you wear them well? If only you could spread yourself further and wider. Every little girl deserves to meet interesting, inspiring women of all ages who keep the pilot light of life alive in them. Young G. will have to be the lucky keeper of the flame for now. ;) Enjoy your special day! Do N + O know anout candles? Supervised mischief only, kitten mittens! x x x

bluemonkeymama on Jun 19, 2014:

I'm happy you like the PC! No rush at all on sending something out to me. I'm terribly jealous of your new kittens! Have fun with those little cuties! :)

SFreer on Jun 4, 2014:

Your kitties are sweet! They certainly do have large ears, but how adorable!

ColoradoKate on May 1, 2014:

Thank you so much for the fantastic postcard! If I'd been braver in my youth, I might've stood next to those girls in similar garb. ;D

Stacy on Apr 14, 2014:

Hello Fi!

I was Delighted to find your gigantic Beautiful PC in my mailbox today. It is absolutely gorgeous. I checked out its animation and Love it. I am honored to receive such an amazing piece from you. You are so talented! The Real Deal. The art stamps are excellent, as well. Thanks for brightening my day, Fi! I am so happy we bumped into each other in the Creative Collage Mailart Exchange Forum!

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