Linnea Johnson

Linnea Johnson (1946–2013) was an American writer and poet, known for her feminist perspectives. She was raised in Chicago and spent much of her life in Topeka, Kansas. Johnson pursued higher education, earning degrees from the University of Nebraska and Goddard College. Her career included work in radio, hosting shows in Illinois and Nebraska. She also engaged in performance art with pieces like "Swedish Christmas" and "Crazy Song." Johnson's creative endeavors extended to papermaking and founding Red Stuga Studio and Espelunda 3 Productions, an organization focused on writing, creativity, and mentoring, offering various classes and production services.

Her photographic work appeared in publications such as Blatant Image and Prairie Schooner. Johnson's poetry was featured in numerous literary journals, including The American Poetry Review, North American Review, and The Antioch Review. She received the inaugural Beatrice Hawley Award for her collection, The Chicago Home. Renowned poet Adrienne Rich lauded Johnson's work, describing it as "strong and ardent and credible, full of wisdom and indignation." Johnson also contributed to anthologies, notably "Mother Journeys: Feminists Write About Mothering."

Linnea Johnson established herself as a significant voice in American poetry, particularly within feminist literary circles. Her collection, The Chicago Home, earned her the Beatrice Hawley Award, marking a notable recognition early in her publishing career. Johnson's poems were consistently featured in a wide array of respected literary journals, indicating a broad engagement with the poetry community. Publications such as The American Poetry Review, The Antioch Review, and Prairie Schooner showcased her work, alongside other journals like Cimarron Review and North American Review. This consistent presence in literary magazines underscores the reception and distribution of her poetic output throughout her career. The praise from Adrienne Rich, highlighting the strength, wisdom, and verve in Johnson's poems, further contextualizes her impact and the emotional resonance of her writing.

Beyond her primary focus on poetry, Linnea Johnson cultivated a diverse artistic practice. Her involvement in performance art is evident through pieces like "Swedish Christmas" and the multimedia work "Crazy Song." Johnson also explored visual arts, with her photographs being published in literary and arts journals such as Blatant Image and Spoon River Poetry Journal. Her engagement with the craft of writing extended to practical applications and education through the founding of Red Stuga Studio and Espelunda 3 Productions. This consultancy offered services in writing, creativity, and mentoring, alongside classes in poetry, prose, and playwriting. The studio also facilitated productions, including plays, CDs, and staged readings, showcasing a commitment to fostering and presenting creative works.

“strong and ardent and credible, full of wisdom and indignation. They tell stories we need to hear, sung with the pounding verve of the blood behind them.”