Envelopes
Envelopes (2015–ongoing)
Gouache and mixed media on reclaimed paper
In Envelopes, Jessica Anne Schwartz reimagines the utilitarian function of everyday correspondence, transforming the simple act of paying rent and taxes into a ritual of gratitude, artistic expression and human connection. Each envelope, meticulously hand-painted with narrative and whimsical imagery, serves as both a personal offering and a public acknowledgment of the often-invisible networks that sustain her life and work.
For the envelopes used to pay her taxes, Schwartz includes handwritten letters of thanks, expressing appreciation to the individuals who process her filings. On occasion, they respond with notes of gratitude in return, creating an unexpected and tender dialogue within an otherwise impersonal system. These exchanges underscore the series' central ethos: that even the most routine transactions can become meaningful acts of connection.
Rooted in reverence, Envelopes reflects Schwartz’s belief in the profound significance of ordinary exchanges. The envelopes are not merely vessels for payments but intimate gestures of appreciation—directed toward landlords who provide spaces of shelter and creativity, and toward the unseen individuals behind bureaucratic processes. Through this practice, she elevates the mundane into the meaningful, celebrating the privilege of being able to contribute, to inhabit space, and to participate in systems often taken for granted.
Envelopes extends beyond aesthetic inquiry, positioning gratitude as a central element of artistic practice. In Schwartz’s hands, even the most ephemeral materials become sites of reflection and connection, underscoring her commitment to finding—and sharing—beauty in the overlooked details of daily life.
