Tag Archives: art journal

The equation of patience

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Mixed media in composition notebook

“The map is not the terrain” is a quote I return to when I feel my patience is getting threadbare. It gives me space to breathe, to acknowledge where I am at, and the chance to reorient myself. I made this spread before heading to work when I already feeling a sense of general annoyance, that irritation with every minor thing sort of mood. Beneath all the layers is a bunch of loose scribble writing as I vented a bit. Even if it were visible, it would be illegible. It is a great way to start a page when you aren’t sure how to start: scribbles. Words or just lines, either one helps loosen you up and begin. Where it goes from there is an unknown, one of those “enjoy the journey” ideas. Approaching creativity that way helps increase you patience with whatever is going on at the moment.

Face anything

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Mixed media journal page with face

This page came together unexpectedly as I dug through items while cleaning up my worktable. The right scraps just seemed to be at hand as I worked. I often start with one loose idea in mind only to end up with something very different. Sometimes it results in a piece I like, and sometimes not so much. That is the beauty of an art journal, it is the perfect place to just let things roll and see where they end up. This is the final page in my medium size journal. I flipped back through it to see the variety of designs on the pages from mid December on. Now it will get shelved and I will complete the larger one, continuing the process and seeing what I create.

Imagination

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Mini journal spread with fortune cookie “ Apply your imagination to every problem that arises.”

My mini journal is getting chunky, filled with pages of deliciousness. I am about a third of the way through it and already it is getting hard to close with the elastic. The plumpness is a healthy sign of regular creativity. It is also a sign of scrap sorting, which is a very meditative activity. Engaging your imagination is as important as exercise, and often as you use it solutions rise up to nagging problems. I like to get a page or so done a day in one of my journals, just to give my mind a chance to filter things from the day.

Time

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Mixed media art journal page in purples with “Time” text.

I guess I was in a purple mood last weekend as all my pieces were drenched in that color. At the rate I am going all my art journals will be filled up this year pretty quickly. Good thing I have several in a variety of sizes, they have really caught my interest and fill a creative need. If you are curious about art journals you can check out my Youtube channel https://youtu.be/ugVAJhkAq8g, or any one of the many out there, to get inspired!

Taking a chance

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Mixed media using a variety of paper scraps

I haven’t taken to art journalling, seeing what experienced journal makers create is a bit intimidating. But after finishing the 100 day project I noticed that I had an old sketchbook from one of my daughters high school days and decided to take a chance with it. I have plenty of scraps to use, plus a variety of supplies, and a desire to try something new. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.