another gentle pause~
(with thanks, zine updates, a recollection, and an ode to rest.)
Hello.
There are over 200 of you now. Pinch me!
This newsletter started out in a monthly cadence, writing about other people’s art (intertwined with my own life and lore).1 I started it in an incredibly challenging time in my life, and it sort of became a life-raft. It helped me remember that my voice matters. My opinion matters. And just because I hated my English Literature degree, doesn’t mean I don’t really fucking enjoy writing.2
I really do. It’s genuinely pleasurable for me. Editing, on the other hand…
I suppose this preamble is all part of me saying thank you, and that I didn’t quite imagine being here now with a newsletter about my own art practice (as a facet of my online presence — my website is the main domain and my YouTube channel is another facet).
I wasn’t sure if I’d get another newsletter to you this month because I’ve been quite unwell; but, I’m using this moment of respite both to greet newcomers and to say that I’ll be taking a break in December. I’m not sure how long this break will be for, as I’m planning on devoting my time and energy to several art projects that have a life of their own! But I’m aiming to return either in January or February. I also need some rest (don’t we all?)
You might have arrived here via my zine/ chapbook launch. Did you enjoy the reading? I hope so.
(I really love this photo.)
Would you like to purchase one? I’ve realised that the postage prices are slightly different than I expected, after going to the Post Office recently to send one to Berlin. So I’ve adjusted my prices accordingly.
(all current prices include a tracked service)—
£13 - UK
£20 - EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD BUT THE U.S.
£23 - THE U.S.
Contact me directly either by replying to the email or DM-ing me or commenting and I’ll send you a PayPal request (before or after you send me your mailing address). This is how I’m operating for the time being.3 I just received news that some of the first zines I’ve sent have been received!! Eeeee!!4
Some more info about six poems~~~~~~
Poetry zine/mini-chapbook, full colour (paper weight - 130gsm). A5 size. First publicised on Substack Notes, Summer 2025. First ever copies made in Autumn/ Winter 2025.
Handmade in small-batches in a sustainable fashion, valuing quality over quantity and connection over rapid consumerism <3.
My poetry has previously been published in The Remote Body, notes journal and several DIY collective poetry zines (including one poem -- “nothing” -- alongside Denise Riley) as Angelica & Angelica Van Clarke (my given name). I have performed poetry in a collective (as Angelica Evangeline) on the Roundhouse Main Stage as part of CircusFest, a poetry and dance festival, as well as at other more intimate venues in the UK and abroad.
This is my first poetry zine, completely made and assembled by me, with my own drawings alongside the text using found imagery. Themes explored in the poems include: healing, survival, transformation, shifts in perception, love, romance, nature and renewal.5
I thought that I might also take this chance to direct you to some older missives that you may have missed, or you might want to read again (seeing as I’ll be away for a while).6
I’ve ordered them from most recent to least recent. The one titled ‘new joanie cover <3’ is sort of a prelude to ‘music is a petal in the flower of my artistic practice.’ — as they deal with similar themes.
I’m really looking forward to resting in the winter (as nature intended?) and to cultivating a devotional practice in relationship with my art & making.7
I am wishing you ease and lots of other good things.
À bientôt,
Angelica xoxoxox
P.S. I think I might launch my Big Cartel shop in the New Year with another poetry reading from six poems, so stay tuned.
I love swearing for emphasis lol.
I’ll open my Big Cartel store in the New Year.
Also, if you want to buy more than 1, just add £10 to the number!! No extra postage costs.
I’m committing footnote anarchy/ blasphemy by including this quote as I have done and then this note to say — this quote is from my Big Cartel page but the page is currently private while I figure out new pricing (tbd?) for my New Year launch. Think of this as a ghostnote. A ghost’s footnote. A ghost’s foot? Anyway, this would be very much frowned upon by my old Cambridge supervisors; but, it’s been so long I don’t think anyone from that time in my life keeps up with my new shenanigans nowadays! Phew!
I’m a bit nervous about sinking into Substack newsletter oblivion (me vs the algorithm), though I resurfaced from my summer break badder than ever… so I’m not too worried.
I’ve practised kirtan/ chanting/ bhakti yoga (as a private practice, mainly) for many years now, and I love the feeling in instills in me and how it pours out into my art practice. If you’re interested, check out Sivani Mata Francis’ work — she was my first teacher!
Don’t sweat the algorithm, you’ve got 200 subscribers!
You are the coolest