elusiveness - life, art, and musings » art journaling

Lush Lines

Vanessa — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:09:07 +0000

Constantly a work in progress

Blank pages reveal their true colors

Cutting and pasting themselves into existence

In this state of mind, perfection doesn’t exist

But its yearning never ceases

Closing my eyes I see everything

Flaws hidden from others

Now beautifully on display

Doing more, thinking less

Vanessa — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:17:11 +0000

Lately, art journaling seems to be a little easier. It’s becoming a process requiring less thought but more fluid movements and ideas. I wonder if it’s because over the last few spreads a “voice” is emerging from the gesso, paint, and writing. Regardless of it’s cause, I’m taking full advantage of these recent developments

Despite my own thoughts comprising most of the recent pages, I thought I’d share a wonderful gift I was given for my birthday back in September. My friend/co-worker Jen made me a “journal jar” filled with various phrases and sentences to work as prompts for those moments when I just can’t think of something to put down onto paper. It’s one of the most thoughtful gifts I’ve ever been given and it sits on my desk at all times. Although I didn’t make it, I’m sure any other art journaler out there would agree it’s a great thing to have within arms reach.

Happy Birthday to Me – JournalFest 2009 Trip

Vanessa — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:32:29 +0000

Although my actual birthday may not for another month and a half, I’ve been trying to think of what to do for myself this year. Definitely something involving me time. (Who says being selfish isn’t that easy?) Last week I stumbled upon the ArtFest 2010 website and decided I would be going. Not necessarily as a birthday gift to myself, but mainly just to go since it had an interesting mix of classes and topics. Though, I was saddened to find out I likely missed out on the newest retreat, JournalFest since the entire event is geared more towards my interests. However, due to the event being in October and registration having been open for several months, I figured none of the classes were still available.

Journal Page by Traci Bunkers

But, lucky for me the organizer of the infamous retreats (ArtFest, JournalFest, and ArtFiberFest), Teesha Moore, made an announcement this afternoon that spots were still available for October’s JournalFest. Oh happy day! Even though it’s more than 2 months away (October 21-25) a wave of excitement swept over me as I began to sift through the information and pictures detailing the various classes.

With all the incredible teachers and techniques that are being covered, I’m almost positive this will be one of the best birthday presents I’ve given myself in quite some time.

Rearrangements and fragments

Vanessa — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:33:06 +0000

Over the weekend I spent some time re-arranging furniture and other items to officially designate as my “creative space.” I’ve always been partial to natural lighting being the focus of wherever I set up my work area. However, when we first moved into our current place this requirement didn’t seem to be at the top of the important list, so I just set up shop wherever. Needless to say, I’m extremely pleased with my mini “studio” setup and look forward to the sunlight shining down over my work area.

Feeling the need to dip back into art journaling, I started re-reading the creative prompts and predecorated book/journal from Randi Feuerhelm-Watts’ Wide Open. (Such a wonderful kit for those who are looking for something different to do). As I flipped the pages I came across a quote (from Feuerhelm-Watts’ drawing teacher) that really stood out in regards to fighting through a creative block: “Give yourself permission to have a book full of ugly pictures. ” Simple, sure, but for those who are always hesitant with what they put down on paper, it means a great deal. And what do you know? I took up the advice:

Other fragments from this weekend:

- Limit Mexican food to once a week. Anymore than that and my body hates me for it.

- My Polaroid 100 automatic broke. Fear not, eBay saved the day.

- I’d rather be shopping for art supplies than shoes or handbags.

- Riley, our puppy has the cutest red eyelashes (can only see them up-close)

A Return to Art Journaling

Vanessa — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 22:01:21 +0000

It’s officially Spring, and I almost forgot how much I appreciate its rainy days. For whatever reason, they usually nudge me in a creative frame of mind. So while the rain came down, I decided to dig out the paint brushes and rekindle my hobby of art journaling. By no means do I feel I have “artistic” talent. I simply think of it as an alternative method of journaling…and a heck of a good reason to make a mess. Even though it’s been well over a year since I’ve touched any of my art journaling tools, it felt good to be surrounded by a colorful disarray of paints, tape, inks, and markers.

For anyone looking to get into this type of journaling, I recommend checking out books by Randi Feuerhelm-Watts and Sabrina Ward Harrison. Both contain great ideas and techniques to help kick start your own unique art journal: