This is Why Art Journaling Could Help You Right Now
Art journaling is about creating art just for you
I haven’t been consistent at writing a journal of any kind. Not in a notebook, diary or even digital form. I always had good intentions. I would buy a beautiful new leather-bound journal and start well, but within three to four days, the novelty would wear off, and suddenly I couldn’t find the time. I could find a hundred different reasons not to sit down and write my innermost thoughts.
So the consideration of an art journal was even further from my top ranking to-do list. The thought of making loosely written texts into something pretty with pictures and colourful backgrounds seemed a ridiculous amount of energy to spend on a journal idea. Especially as no one would see it. I was accustomed to exhibiting my art, paintings worthy of an adoring audience. But this creative process came into my life and changed everything I had preconceived about the subject. At the moment, in this current pandemic climate, I think the art journal is worth having a closer look at again.
What is an art journal?
A few years ago, I was running some creative art workshops in a small art supplies business in my home town, Queensland, Australia. The owner of the art shop, Lisa, was teaching art journal programs, and she invited me along to join her with a recent online class. At first, my superior art elite attitude wanted nothing to do this hobby/craft activity. Was it even real art? I had no experience with art journaling, but after I climbed down from my high horse of artistic snobbery, I found the experience deeply impacted my life.
Art journaling is a long-recognised practice within creative therapy approaches and is used to reduce stress, encourage creativity and to problem solve. The therapeutic activity relies on the use of art supplies and techniques without the necessary pressure of a perfect result. The main focus of the art journal is the process.
First workshop class, I learned about royalty-free images.
Set up in Lisa’s studio space, we were ready to watch Donna Downey present her lesson of art journal workshop. The first night, I arrived with my newly bought art journal in hand and ready for lesson one. I didn’t expect to gain much wisdom from an exercise that I considered craft (yes, I still had an attitude), but I wanted to spend time building a better working relationship with Lisa, and this seemed the way forward.
We watched the first episode, and it changed my whole attitude. Not that the art was jaw-dropping, but I learnt a lot about digital resources. Until then, I didn’t even know you could purchase digital collage paper or find royalty-free images. Websites with hundreds of images free to download and use in your artwork. This one gold nugget forever evaporated my negative attitude.
The lesson included collage techniques that I was already familiar with in my mixed media paintings, however, each week, I did learn one gold nugget that I could add to my art tool belt. What I found was that the process of creating art in the journal was a very personal and intimate form of self-expression and hidden from public criticism, unless you chose to show people. It is the perfect tool for outworking your internal dialogue and without the pressure of creating a successful painting on canvas.
Some basic supplies
How to Start
The tools that you will need are pretty basic, get yourself an art journal. I used a Dylusions Creative Journal, only because it has thick pages and I knew I would throw a lot of paint at it. The journal will be your most expensive part. You can buy a range of art supplies from expensive art stores, but you don’t need to. Inexpensive art supplies are available at department stores, such as Kmart and Spotlight. The range of ‘craft’ items in these stores are extensive.
You will need a variety of different colours of paints, papers and coloured pens. Start with the colours you love. In the online workshop I was watching with Lisa, the artist used moulding paste, image transfers and other mixed media techniques. You don’t need all these to begin, but a quick search online will open up a world of possibilities. You can try using stencils, as these are simple to use and produce immediate results.
If you desire to expand your creative expression there are many online free tutorials. Golden Paints has a vast range of product info and techniques on Youtube. There is a massive art journal community, with brand names and endless amounts of products. You don’t need it all, but you might find some elements interesting. Just be warned, it does all become a little addictive. To begin, pick up a few different papers, pens and colours and just start.
The Benefit
I fell into the workshop of art journaling in a time when the process of self-expression helped me to work through a difficult season. I was wrestling with questions of identity and self-worth, and this creative process enabled me to answer my questions on the page of my art journal.
Here are the benefits I have found to make the effort worthwhile.
1. It is a deeply personal expression that you can keep private.
2. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to begin.
3. You can find a lot of free training and tips online (Google ‘art journal’).
4. The process is beneficial for outworking trauma and stress.
5. There are no rules, and you can’t get it wrong.
6. Anyone can do this. You are creative, you just need to give yourself time, space and be brave.
I spent a few months creating art journal pages with Lisa in her art space, and it was a lot of fun. The process helped me to enjoy the simplicity of personal expression. There was no exhibition and no pressure to please a gallery. It’s about being vulnerable, allowing yourself to express what you are thinking and feeling without other people’s opinion or judgement.
You can write, scribble, draw or stick on images. Use stencils, splash paint and even add lettering. I wrote on a page, all about the areas in my life that were annoying me, then painted over the whole thing. It was incredibly therapeutic, like a miniature abstract expressionist approach.
“Art makes the spirit soar. And when the spirit is lifted, life follows.” - Adrianna Trigiani
An art journal is an easy way to help you connect with your creative self. This self-directed process allows a freedom of expression that will empower your thinking and give you courage. Give it a try and message me if you have any questions. It just might be the activity you need to do right now, a little self-discovery through self-expression.
‘Some people cross your path and change your whole direction’
Since this initial beginning, I have found the process of art journalling to be benefitial not only for the development of my art, but for my personal expression in processing the journey of life.
Join Me in the Studio…
If you would like to join me in the studio, I have just filmed my first very own art journal lesson and you are most welcome to ‘Celebrate the Moment’ Link HERE
Froyle Davies
I’ve been a visual artist for over 25 years and now I tell my stories.
Let me inspire you with this beautiful free print, ‘Above the Stormy Waters.’
Cheers Froyle
