I have been creating art for over twenty years and my practice has evolved in different directions ever since. It moves depending on the circumstances around me but also because of my creative interests, inspirations and ideas.
I started creating art journals about 4 years ago and at the beginning each page felt kind of precious, something I had to "get right". It sort of felt like just another thing I had to do, but I did keep doing it and over the years it has evolved from just another task into more of a companion, a kind of meditative practice that keeps me connected to my creativity despite how busy life gets outside of the studio.
There are many reasons why an art journal practice is a wonderful habit to incorporate into your life - even if you are not a working artist. For me, it ties together doodling, journaling and collage. I often test out new ideas for doodles as well as texts for my artwork. I use it to sit with feelings I am processing, often anxiety, and when the words get onto the page, tucked between flowers and collage paper, I can let things go.
Very often I use my art journal to reflect on books I have read. I fold in the bottom of pages with text I want to remember or think more about later. It relaxes me to sit with an interesting text as I doodle and collage around it - thinking about how it resonates or challenges me in any way.
I also test out new ideas in my art journal. When I look back through my journals, I see the phases I have been through, my progression and artistic evolution. When I need ideas or inspiration, I often go back through my journals to find older ideas and inspiration.
In the art journal workshops I hold, I encourage people to use the materials in front of them without planning too much or overthinking. We usually start by putting down a layer of neutral vintage collage paper and from there add color, doodles and words. There is no wrong way to do it and when you let all the chatter go in your head and can just be present you will feel so relaxed and content.
It takes a little intention to start and continue an art journaling practice but it's not hard. Keep your art journal out, so you can see it. That goes for your favorite materials as well. Get in the habit of just starting with your journal when you have at least 10 min. Don't put too much emotion into the end result, just try to be in the moment. I use it almost every time I am sitting down to create as a starting exercise. It just gets the creative juices flowing. You cannot go wrong.
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