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The canvas becomes a sanctuary where vul- turned home together. “Lemon has since recovered very
nerability is embraced, and the act of sharing well. Singing for hours each day. We met him just after
speaking of my grandma’s bird rescue home.” Johanna
becomes a therapeutic dialogue. said. Over three decades ago, her grandmother welcomed
an old, unwanted parot. She has since rescued and gave a
home to many harmed and unwanted birds.
As 2024 marks a decade since! Johanna’s full-time
commitment to her artistic journey, Lemon seems a gift
to her and shows her connection with her grandmother.
In 2014, she founded Poetic Pastel, a cultural proj- When I was chatting with her on social media, Johanna
Photo / Jatinder Singh Durhailay ect informed by Deep Ecology, aiming to initiate open said, “Lemon sits next to me as I reply to you. I sit next to
conversations inspired by natural elements, warm mem- Lemon as he chirps and chirps. We are both well. Well, I
ories, colors, feelings, relationships, literature, poetry, typed, and Lemon flew on my head.” These words remind
tea culture, and daily life. Poetic Pastel Press, founded me to think her words, “it’s a nice continuous thread and
in 2015, releases sonic, textile, and print editions, with a it keeps doing the same thing.” It’s like a cyclical journey,
positive and collaborative ethos. where each season brings new growth, both in the gar-
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johanna’s com- den, community and within herself.
mitment to art as therapy took a tangible form with In 2023, Johanna shared a post on social media
the creation of fleures.org. In a world gripped by un- about her reflections when watering her garden, “Water-
certainty, she invited visitors to share handwritten ing. memories of August on the allotment where insects,
memories of simple moments of happiness. This inter- vegetables, fruits, flowers, herbs, us, and more life than
active project became a collective expression of joy, a my eyes can meet grow and live together. I now clearly
communal therapy session transpiring through shared understand what my grandmother meant when she an-
stories and drawings. swered, ‘They also look after me’ when l used to tell her,
“The Gardening Drawing Club,” a community proj- ‘You spend so much time looking after them’.”
ect under her wing founded in 2021, exemplifies her Language is not always a good communication tool
dedication to creating accessible spaces for creativity. to get to know one people. Artwork works. Johanna’s
Stemming from the belief that learning to plant a tomato work is currently on view at Whitechapel Gallery in
seed or creating art should be freely accessible, the proj- London. The exhibition titled “Edge Effects” is open un-
ect stands as a counterpoint to exclusive cultural spaces til May 26, 2024(Free Entry). This immersive showcase
that often demand steep entry fees. The club becomes invites visitors to delve into Johanna’s transdisciplinary
a microcosm of Johanna’s vision—connecting people, world, celebrating the intertwining threads of nature,
exchanging ideas, and fostering a sense of community. culture, and the shared ritual of tea. The exhibition
It is a living testament to her belief that these essential stands as a culmination of her continuous exploration of
life skills should be learned in schools, ensuring that the human connection and the beauty found in simplicity.
knowledge required for survival and sustainable living is In the tapestry of Johanna’s life and art, one thread
accessible to all. remains constant—the thread of connection. In a world
that often rushes by, Johanna’s work serves as a gentle
Small Episode, Lemon’s Song reminder to pause, reflect, and find solace in the threads
that connect us all. Whether through the pages of “Journal
Recently, Johanna had a new company in her life— du Thé,” the flourishing allotment plots, or the commu-
a canary “rescued” near her home on February 6 and nity-driven projects, Johanna crafts a narrative that tran-
nursed back to health after a sudden bout of illness. scends borders, disciplines, and time—a narrative of tea,
Lemon was named Lemon on the way home as they re- art, and shared moments.
I grew up in the countryside, and my grandparents
also lived a farming life, Johanna’s experience made me
recall their stories.!Just as Johanna said her grandmother
has the power of human connection, I really think she
has that same power.
“Wish you a caring, confident, loving, hopeful,
brave and tender passage to 2024.” This is Johanna’s New
Year’s wish for you.

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