Thank you so much to all the people who are reading this and commenting such kind things. It's hugely encouraging. Sometimes I feel I exist in a sort of void but knowing that you are out there looking is warming my heart!
So glad I dug through my spam folder to find your newsletter. I agree with what you're saying about so much; the loneliness and exhaustion of the past years, the misery of Instagram, the longing to be out in the world. My life is such that I will probably never travel again (I'm mostly fine with this, I live in a beautiful place), but my heart loves seeing places far away, so I'm looking forward to getting a glimpse of where you are.
Holding in mind that some people might not be able to leave their homes or communities for whatever reason (and I personally don’t see many airplanes in my future because the planet kindly asked me not to) gives me an extra incentive to show and write about what I see :)
Fabulous Johanna, we have waited patiently for you to have the space to write to us! You know Patti Smith, who could no longer work (touring) during 2 years of lockdowns, started writing on Substack, I don’t know if you get invited…but she has a free dialogue, and a paid one (about US$7 a month) for her subscribers (yes thats me) she has been writing a story, a strange and wonderful story, which you can read, but also she reads it out, every week…even now as she is touring Europe. She also puts up little late night video raves, she’s such a dag, and I’m totally in love with her. And of course her wonderful photos, always. Sometimes she shares the books on her desk…she’s introduced me to some great authors to check out. Anyway I don’t know why I’m telling you this…maybe you writing here reminded me what a great way to go about writing…as you say, a kind of sharing journal. Which is how I use Instagram…its really a visual diary of my wandering through this life. Happy house hunting! Much love
Happy to stroll. I honestly can’t remember how I came across your posts but I’ve enjoyed them and looking forward to seeing a corner of France through your eyes.
Thank you for your newsletter. I do remember signing up for it.
Reading your Instagram posts I just knew that you loved words. I read most of what you write . Sometimes with my less than perfect sight I have difficulty reading some of the articles that you copy to Instagram on my phone, but, if you’ve piqued my interest, I pursue it on my IPad.
I’m a Francophile so I love reading about your life there & walking down streets with you when you post videos.
I am so in aw of your extensive knowledge about the textiles that you find.
Keep on doing what you do, but also give yourself the opportunities to meet other people.
My daughter emigrated to Melbourne just before the pandemic. Amazingly both she & her husband found jobs in lockdown.
Looking forward to hearing from you again, Christine x
It so great to follow you on this platform Johanna, and get away from the increasingly shitful Instagram, hooray!
This feels more like receiving a letter from a friend living far away. Thank you for taking the time to set this all up and share your time-precious words.
It’ll be a wonderful surprise whenever you upload a new post and a definite rayon du soleil 🌞
I am a new subscriber but have enjoyed your content on Instagram. I am not a business; either I am too lazy to push my work, or I am very disappointed with the art world and it's spiteful competitiveness. I hope I can overcome both these negative attitudes as I regain my creativity. I would add, that renovating and decorating a house takes its toll too!
Anyway, I am delighted to read your words and to follow your journey. I wish you very well.
I'm so excited to read more of your work! You've become one of my inspiration islands on the internet. I am thankful for you and what you offer the world so beautifully and honestly.
I really enjoyed this newsletter ,as well as your IG posts. I’m visiting la belle Bretagne from NY at the moment and it looks like many people are venturing out and about. You have a lot to look forward to. All the best.
This is such amazing timing! I deleted IG from my phone today. Ha! I will be on sabbatical from the socials for an indeterminate period of time. I’m an artist deeply interested in physical spaces and look forward to your observations.
Hi Johanna - thank you so much for your really thoughtful, honest email. I really enjoyed your writing and look forward to the next one ( no pressure 😂) . It’s great to meet outside of social media which for all its up sides, particularly for artists and makers, it has many downsides. Wishing you very happy house hunting. We were very lucky to find our very first little house ever, coming out of Covid after a time of great stress and sorrow ,so I wish that good luck to you and yours. Rachel - still thinking about how to work with the buttons. X
Thank you so much to all the people who are reading this and commenting such kind things. It's hugely encouraging. Sometimes I feel I exist in a sort of void but knowing that you are out there looking is warming my heart!
So glad I dug through my spam folder to find your newsletter. I agree with what you're saying about so much; the loneliness and exhaustion of the past years, the misery of Instagram, the longing to be out in the world. My life is such that I will probably never travel again (I'm mostly fine with this, I live in a beautiful place), but my heart loves seeing places far away, so I'm looking forward to getting a glimpse of where you are.
Holding in mind that some people might not be able to leave their homes or communities for whatever reason (and I personally don’t see many airplanes in my future because the planet kindly asked me not to) gives me an extra incentive to show and write about what I see :)
Fabulous Johanna, we have waited patiently for you to have the space to write to us! You know Patti Smith, who could no longer work (touring) during 2 years of lockdowns, started writing on Substack, I don’t know if you get invited…but she has a free dialogue, and a paid one (about US$7 a month) for her subscribers (yes thats me) she has been writing a story, a strange and wonderful story, which you can read, but also she reads it out, every week…even now as she is touring Europe. She also puts up little late night video raves, she’s such a dag, and I’m totally in love with her. And of course her wonderful photos, always. Sometimes she shares the books on her desk…she’s introduced me to some great authors to check out. Anyway I don’t know why I’m telling you this…maybe you writing here reminded me what a great way to go about writing…as you say, a kind of sharing journal. Which is how I use Instagram…its really a visual diary of my wandering through this life. Happy house hunting! Much love
Hey Johanna,
I am very excited to be with you on this new platform. On a new journey.
I am looking forward to meeting the makers and the crafts people you have met along the way. The folks that make up your community.
I also wanted you to know that I applaud your bravery, and i’m right here to support you however I can.
I’ll definitely come along with you for a dawdle and a stroll, can’t wait.
❤️💛🖤
Happy to stroll. I honestly can’t remember how I came across your posts but I’ve enjoyed them and looking forward to seeing a corner of France through your eyes.
Hello Joanna,
Thank you for your newsletter. I do remember signing up for it.
Reading your Instagram posts I just knew that you loved words. I read most of what you write . Sometimes with my less than perfect sight I have difficulty reading some of the articles that you copy to Instagram on my phone, but, if you’ve piqued my interest, I pursue it on my IPad.
I’m a Francophile so I love reading about your life there & walking down streets with you when you post videos.
I am so in aw of your extensive knowledge about the textiles that you find.
Keep on doing what you do, but also give yourself the opportunities to meet other people.
My daughter emigrated to Melbourne just before the pandemic. Amazingly both she & her husband found jobs in lockdown.
Looking forward to hearing from you again, Christine x
I’m here!! Reading, enjoying everything very much!! Thank you
It so great to follow you on this platform Johanna, and get away from the increasingly shitful Instagram, hooray!
This feels more like receiving a letter from a friend living far away. Thank you for taking the time to set this all up and share your time-precious words.
It’ll be a wonderful surprise whenever you upload a new post and a definite rayon du soleil 🌞
Merci buckets, xxxxT
I am a new subscriber but have enjoyed your content on Instagram. I am not a business; either I am too lazy to push my work, or I am very disappointed with the art world and it's spiteful competitiveness. I hope I can overcome both these negative attitudes as I regain my creativity. I would add, that renovating and decorating a house takes its toll too!
Anyway, I am delighted to read your words and to follow your journey. I wish you very well.
Sue
I'm so excited to read more of your work! You've become one of my inspiration islands on the internet. I am thankful for you and what you offer the world so beautifully and honestly.
This sounds like something we'll all enjoy! May it bring that much-needed brightness to your life!
Looking forward to the next instalment!
I really enjoyed this newsletter ,as well as your IG posts. I’m visiting la belle Bretagne from NY at the moment and it looks like many people are venturing out and about. You have a lot to look forward to. All the best.
This is such amazing timing! I deleted IG from my phone today. Ha! I will be on sabbatical from the socials for an indeterminate period of time. I’m an artist deeply interested in physical spaces and look forward to your observations.
Hi Johanna - thank you so much for your really thoughtful, honest email. I really enjoyed your writing and look forward to the next one ( no pressure 😂) . It’s great to meet outside of social media which for all its up sides, particularly for artists and makers, it has many downsides. Wishing you very happy house hunting. We were very lucky to find our very first little house ever, coming out of Covid after a time of great stress and sorrow ,so I wish that good luck to you and yours. Rachel - still thinking about how to work with the buttons. X
Good morning. We met at the online Tatter hand sewn shirt classes with Sarah. I am looking forward to strolling with you