April 11, 2013

Why I want to start an art journal....

I'm back today to share my thoughts with you on why I want to start an art journal.  Yesterday I put a new Art Journal Kit in the shop which is kind of a new avenue for me.  I'm not sure what has sparked my new interest in using more artful techniques in my work but it's exploded and I'm really loving it.  I'm calling it my art revival journey.  
I've added some photos today that I've been pinning to my Pinterest boards.  These are the types of art journal pages that caught my interest and are inspiring to me so I thought I would share them with you.  If you're new to art journaling and maybe/kinda wanna do it, creating a Pinterest board is a great way to discover your style.  As the board progresses and you look at it as a whole you start to see what designs and colors and techniques that you like.  
link  

So on to why I want to art journal.  As I was searching for art techniques online I kept coming across art journal pages.  I knew what art journals were but I never really got the "why" of why people created them.

But the more I researched and the more I came across art journals, I began to get it.

Art journals are the perfect way to express creativity and to focus on the process.  Focusing on the process.....not the finished product.  This is when it all hit home for me.

 I  believe that there is a calling for all of us.  There is something inside all of us that tugs at your heart.  Something you really want to do.  Want to be.  For me it is art.  It always has been.  I've been creating art ever since I can remember, in some form or another.  And although I've stayed within that creative area in my career there's always something more.

And now, it's calling my name again.  Back to my roots.  Back to those art classes I took way back in grade school and into college.  That desire to just create and see what happens.  Focusing on the process.  

 I'm finding that I want to dig in again and get reacquainted with my art supplies.  To create just to see what happens.  No pressure to create a work of art, a finished card, a great scrapbook page.

The idea of an art journal is what I'm thinking will enable me to do that type of creating.  I must admit that those blank pages are pretty intimidating.  But you have to start somewhere.  Just add that first brush stroke, slap on that first piece of paper.....cover your hands with paint.

And so the journey begins.  I have no idea where it will lead.  I don't have any big plans.  I'm not aspiring to create great works of art.  I'm not looking for approval or critiques because it doesn't matter. But I do feel compelled to share my work.  That has always been a fun part of this journey...sharing with others.  Feeling a part of a community.  Enjoying the process.

Each art journal page will be a new idea, a new start.  It's terribly exciting to me right now.

 After working in the paper crafting industry for over 15 years, I feel that you must progress.  You must change somewhat...but also stay true to your style.  I think this helps you grow and learn.

 And that can totally happen.  I'm not abandoning my card making, my scrapbooking, my Project Life.  I'm just experimenting to see what happens.
 link

To see what adding art to the mix does.  I hope some of you will join me in the journey.  I'd love to learn and re-learn techniques right along with you.  I'd love to share my ideas, cool finds, great links and my projects with you.

I hope that you are inspired.  I hope that you have a little spark inside you to try something new.  I'd love to hear your thoughts.....have you ever considered doing an art journal, do you want to try new techniques, do you ever feel that you get a little bored and need that creative spark, is it totally intimidating to you when you hear the word "art"?  Let me know, I'd love to hear where you are in your creative journey right now.

19 comments:

Kim's Creations said...

I just started an art journal last week and I LOVE it. I am journaling scripture and through the process you become one with the scripture; it is amazing!! I am so addicted; I haven't done a card since, I am sure I will but right now I am loving the journal.

Melissa Whittaker said...

This may be a silly question, but are there any "rules" for art journals? Or can they be anything? I notice that many I've seen and ones you've posted here contain lots of watercolor techniques, etc. I'm wondering if it would be considered an art journal if it just contained stampings and paper bits, similar to a scrapbook layout minus pictures and journaling? I just wasn't sure if "art journal" is a specific style of album or could contain any creative designs. Thoughts?

pinkladynz said...

Appreciate your thoughts. I am on a mission to expand and catalog techniques and thoughts and explore some products I have bought and not yet used. Love your style !

Danielle said...

This is my 2nd year participating in an art journal round robin with 3 other ladies & I love it. I've been making art journals on & off for the past 8+ yrs or so & I find that it is very helpful in letting go of creative expectations & perfection.

sumo said...

I never "got" art journalling either even though I wanted to try it. And then I read somewhere to journal in a book that you love. My favorite fictional book is Little Women. I had an older copy and thought "why not?" The book itself has prompted so many memories and quotes. I have enough ideas to fill several books. I now "get" what art journalling will mean to me, and it's very exciting. Thanks for sharing your story and your techniques!

Addie said...

You're growing! I find when I grow artistically, I also grow as a person in every way. Your work is getting more gorgeous by the day!

Peggy said...

It's funny that you should mention this today....although I have journaled (I kept diaries) pretty much all my life... I started different kinds of he♥art journals about 3 years ago.... because I'm frugal... I made my own SMASH book, then I started a google search for mixed media. Christy Thomlinson has some great tutorials... and then I went from there.... Brave Girls & Melody Ross, Julie Fen Balzer, Kelli Rae Roberts and now I'm doing LIFEBook 2013 at Willowing arts...plus I did a YouTube search for mixed media art... I don't know if it's my age or a phase... I like different art.... you can see what I do at: http://prdesigns.blogspot.com/

But great topic Mish....I love to talk about what I'm learning... you can email me here as well prdesigns1@sbcglobal.net

Rebecca Ednie said...

I just created my first mixed media canvas and I was thrilled with it. So I'm pretty much in the same place as you! Though I'm a bit more focused on still creating a final product. But not always.

Theresa said...

Your post couldn't be more timely for me!! I have been dying to start an art journal...I have purchased many of the products...I gotten everything out of the bag and looked at it. And that's IT! IT has been very overwhelming not really knowing where or how to start. I am ready to follow along on your journey and can't wait to get started!!!! thank you for inviting us!

Anastasia said...

my thoughts exactly - I started one recently and its a place for me to experiment, express and have fun creatively!

Peggy Lee said...

wow our minds are thinking alike, I have tried to start art journals, but I get fearful...I have everything to create one or two so many more...but fear stops me...thanks for inspiring me to pick back up my journals and grow....love your art, your style and your heart!!!

pcake62 said...

I love what you create and always look forward to the next project. But today you have hit home for me. I too have an art journal sitting here waiting for me. I had been a painter for years but put it away for a long time. In the last few weeks I was cleaning the garage and got inspired to paint again. Now I am so excited I can't sleep. So thanks for inspiring us all. The journey begins.

Debbie said...

For someone who didn't get art journaling, you sure did pick it up nicely! I love your pages. I've been doing daily art journaling for about 2 years now, and can't imagine not doing it!

M Monet said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Bobbie Lynn said...

Just love your art journal pages.

Jan Gartlan said...

What fabulous ideas. I especially love the journal featuring the bird and flower. What a creative idea using the sewing pattern.

Lauri said...

So glad I found your posts; I am struggling with the next evolution of my crafting life and have thought about journals, even tried starting one last year! I think it is time to do it again, and get over the need for approval, get over the guilt of doing something just for me....I have been admiring your work for many years!

Lemon Lane Studio said...

It seems we find ourselves on similar journeys. I only recently found art journaling/mixed media and love the creative freedom it gives. I love your description it fits perfectly. I look forward to following your journey as I embark on my own.

helloalissah said...

I love this. It's about the process. I must remember this and allow myself to be in the moment of creating and not so worried about the end result being perfect. Love, love, love your words and thoughts on this.

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