
There is something absolutely beautiful that happens when you make art. It’s like you get pulled into some alternate universe, and nothing around you matters. At least, that is what happens to me. I feel it . . . internally . . . the moment when I am checking out from where I am and who I am with, and am about to get lost in the canvas, the journal, the paper – whatever it is. Sometimes I do not come “out” from that fog until the project is complete. Only then do I stop and look around and think to myself, “Oh – I’m back.” Like a Dr. Who episode, or something like that.
(Side note to myself: I need to create a Dr. Who art piece. Side note to the reader: many of you ask how I come up with my classes – this is exactly it. In the middle of one thing, like this blog post, an art piece will come to mind, and then before I know it – I am creating it. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, so I take that inspiration wherever and whenever I can take it.)

I often wonder what I look like when I am in that zone – is my tongue hanging out? do I drool? look dazed and totally confused? I wonder. (And I hope not . . . but I would not be surprised.) It is when I am Art journaling that I am most pulled into that alternate place – where I can truly lose myself in creative thought, and spend hour after hour creating art.

What is Art Journaling? Simply put, Art Journaling is a visual diary – it’s record keeping combined with creativity. It’s a place to record your thoughts, memories, and emotions through images, art and words. It allows us to record, through art, a specific time or feeling in our life. I often say it is either something you get, or something you don’t (and it is OK if you don’t get it – I swear!) But if you do get it – it is something magical.

I spent some time this past week going through some old art journals- and got lost in pages of works I created long ago – works I had long forgotten. Some of them were created 3 years ago, some 5 or older. It was amazing to see how much life has changed since then.

When I look back at these journals, I am immediately pulled back to a particular place and time in my life. Each page tells a story.

What I also love about this form of art – is that these journals are for me (and for whoever I want to share them with). Often we hang our finished art pieces on our walls for all to enjoy – but in Art Journaling, these journals and pages and thoughts can be just for the creator. I like that. These are created by me, for me. It also takes the pressure off of me – and that feeling that everything, every page, has to be perfect. When I know that I am creating for myself – it is ok if I am not 100% happy with it. Looking back at the growth from journal to journal is exciting, too. I can see how my work, my style, my life has changed. All from an art journal.

We have a number of Art Journaling classes and opportunties here at the Creative Wings Art Shoppe. If you are interested in any of them, please join us. Call the shoppe for more information (815-905-3068).
- Women Warriors Art Journaling Group – Monday Evenings from 6:30PM to 8:30PM – usually the 2nd and 4th Monday of the Month
- Bible Journaling – Monday Evenings from 6PM to 8PM – usually the 3rd Monday of the month
- Open Art Nights – schedule varies month to month – but is a great opportunity to art journal – check the calendar for the next gathering
If you’d like to talk art or art journaling, I am here. And I thank you, dear friends, for being here, too.
Peace.
Like this:
Like Loading...