Anna Carlson

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365 letters

Mizuhiki-orikata, Japanese knot tying, Tokyo Japan

A new year, a new project.

Last week in an online creative writing group, I talked about writing letters to someone or something, even if it’s the entire universe. Writing to seems easier, more satisfying, and more relevant than just writing. It means there is someone listening.

The group was enthusiastically supportive. Their excitement got me thinking. In the past three years, the impact of the pandemic and family caregiving doused any creative embers that remained after a flurry of exhibitions in 2020. I’ve questioned my dedication to an art practice, often wondering if I have anything to say.

I do. The project is underway: 365 letters exploring what a letter is—ink, paper, strokes, words, and much more—one day at a time. Some days there will be multiple letters, some days none. Some letters will be sent, others not. I’ll write letters to people I know, folks long gone, and to myself. I’ll leave the lined page, and see what a letter is beyond ink and paper.

I invite YOU to subscribe to this blog, and participate in this project!

Letter written onboard the Titanic, Belfast, Ireland.