Michelle Baharier welcomes you to her December 2022 newsletter-

I hope you are all pacing yourself for the festive season, no matter what, I feel that since Covid, we all need a break, whether that is just a day off from social media and/or a walk in the park. Or even come along to a colour walk. I am aiming to have my women’s walk up and running next year, for a one-of-a-kind event - booking will be essential.

I hope that means you can start your celebrations with me and the South London Women Artists at the The Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London for our latest solo show.

There are many festivals worldwide, all celebrating different cultures. I have chosen to think of 21 st December winter solstice that celebrates the sun being reborn, as an image of the return of all new life. I also enjoy Hanukkah, a Jewish Festival of Lights, as well as some cheer from all other holidays. In 1948 The United Nations General Assembly adopted 10th December as a day to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: ‘All human beings are born with equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms.

In the background I am preparing work for a solo show, focused on activism and human rights. My work will be shown at a human rights organisation starting in February with a private view on 23 February 2023 - please keep the date clear for the occasion. This show will run for 3 months.

Also do not forget to make a trip to The Booker Gallerie, 20 Church Street, London, NW8 8EP

where my pieces – ‘Don’t take my breath away’ are on show. If you have Instagram please log into see the song – ‘The Air that I Breathe’ by The Hollies (1974), then there is ‘Breathe’ from Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and also ‘Breathing’ by Kate Bush.

There are a number of songs about breathing by different musicians, but my diptych was made during Covid as you all know by now- and it still stands as with the Aids situation, blood become a danger, yet with Covid breath became the danger - are we still in danger? Humans will aways be affected by illnesses and disease, as well as mental health issues. My other piece at the Bookery is ‘We Are AllRoyal’ which is a small piece. All of my works are original paintings. The Bookery show goes on into January with a number of events and artists talks.

Apart from that I attended a gathering at Zandra Rhodes (@Zandra_Rodes_and @andrewlogansculptor) flat in Bermondsey Street, SE1 selling work by different clothes designers, near to where I live and as I was walking home I met the Tree Twins (from New York) so Amos (my partner) and I directed them to Zandra Rhodes where they met the living legends.

I look forwards to seeing you all at an event and/or putting something in the post for you - do check out my cards! If anyone knows how to create an online digital card site I’d love to do it- please check out my website and after December 5 if you want to see my studio do DM me.

On that magical note I’ll be at the Bookery Gallery 20 Church St, London NW8 8EP on 17 th December, Peerfest on the 8 th December sold out wait list only Conway hall 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4R .Let’s look forwards to a bright new year, as we soldier on, staying well with our challenges, as you know one of mine is insomnia, look out for my new blogs too. Thank you all for your support, encouragement and in person meetings.

Lots of love from Michelle spread some cheer in these bleak moments, you never know I might dress up like the Tree Twins or is that a breach of copyright?!