It’s that time of the year. I thought that this year, I’m going to send out my holiday “card” on this Mailing List as well.

I also want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your attention and occasional feedback. I know that nobody’s attention is a given.

My hope has been to put something good out into the world, something that might not come with immediate utility. That’s how art can excel: by being (mostly) useless in an immediate sense but by offering long-term nourishment for one’s soul.

(Not that I think that this Mailing List is art. But you know what I mean.)

I also want to thank all of those who have sent some funds my way so I can sustain my green-tea-drinking habit. Unfortunately, Paypal does not always tell me the email address of someone sending me a little bit of money. And this Mailing List provider doesn’t make it straightforward to find an email, either. So maybe you’ve seen my thank-you email or message on Paypal. Maybe you’ve missed it. Either way, thank you again! I’m so grateful.

Whatever you’re making of the year that now almost lies behind us, my personal impression was that if anything it has demonstrated that when we act together and for one another, we’re much better off. In US cities, people have taken to the streets to defend their neighbours, or to walk their neighbours’ kids to school. Honestly, just watch this relatively short TV clip.

There are so many lessons in that short clip, even beyond this particular situation in the US. Solidarity and helping each other are powerful tools — and they’re free.

And there are lessons for artists: typically, they’re solitary figures who compete with one another for attention, grant money, exhibitions, book sales, awards... Is this working out well for everybody? I don’t think it is. Could this be different? Well, yes it could be.

With that said, I will conclude this email. My next email is likely to arrive in the New Year. I hope you will be able to enjoy your holidays, and I wish you a happy, healthy, and inspiring New Year!

Thank you again for reading!

— Jörg