Why do people do art journaling?
The intriguing world of art journaling prompts a fundamental question:
Why do people choose to engage in this creative practice?
As individuals come across art journals and witness the unique fusion of creativity and personal expression within these pages, curiosity naturally arises. It becomes apparent that beyond the conventional modes of artistic expression, some choose to explore and create within the intimate confines of a journal. This initial question serves as a gateway to understanding the motivations and purposes that lead individuals to embark on the enriching journey of art journaling.
the story behind the idea of writing this blog post
(READ IT FIRST FOR CONTEXT)
The story behind this blog post takes us back to the time when I first started art journaling and began sharing some of my journals and pages on my personal Facebook account. One day, one of my neighbors, a girl, was at my home and remarked, "Oh, I have been seeing what you have been making. It’s something related to art, right? But honestly, I don’t understand what it is. Is that in books?"
I replied, "Oh, I can show you some of my journals." I picked out some journals and handed them to her. As she went through them, she said, "Well, they are beautiful, but what is this for? Why are you doing this?"
I explained, "Well, because I found that I love doing it, it relaxes me, makes me take time for myself and as I feel I’m a creative person, so it's a way I can explore my creativity."
She then responded, "Well, Antonino is so much smarter. At least he paints some canvas, and he can sell them!" (Antonino is my partner, and he is an oil painter and fine artist.)
My face was speechless, and I understood that she could not see how far this practice could go or even how amazing it could be for our soul and self-discovery. Since then, she never asked me again about my books, and she never seems to get excited about discovering what creativity is or if we can explore it. I believe she simply believes to herself that she is not creative, and that marks the end of a not-started journey on a creative artistic path.
Before I go into why people do art journaling, and add my point of view on this subject, first I want to take a minute to answer the question
“What is an Art Journal”?
An art journal is a creative and personal form of self-expression that combines visual art and written words
Mixed Media Art Journals are practical tools that allow artists to break free from traditional expectations and explore their creativity in a down-to-earth way. These journals serve a straightforward purpose, encouraging artists to move beyond conventional judgments of ugly and beautiful and embark on a journey of self-discovery. It typically involves the use of a journal or sketchbook where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and ideas through a combination of drawings, paintings, collages, and written reflections. Art journals are not bound by strict rules or standards, allowing for a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.
Let's dive into why mixed media journals are so practical and how they liberate artists from the constraints of norms.
Other names for art journals include:
Visual Journal
Creative Journal
Mixed Media Journal
Art Diary
Sketchbook Journal
Illustrated Journal
Collage Journal
Journaling Art
Personal Art Journal
Altered Book (when an existing book is repurposed for journaling)
These terms are often used interchangeably, and the choice of name may depend on the individual's preferences and the specific focus of their creative expression within the journal.
The Practical Purpose of Mixed Media Art Journals:
Freedom of Expression Without Aesthetic Constraints:
Mixed media art journals provide a space for artists to express themselves without worrying about conforming to traditional standards of beauty. These journals are like creative workstations, allowing artists to experiment without the pressure of adhering to preconceived notions of what looks good or acceptable.
2. No Rules, No Self-Judgment - Including Personal Judgment:
A key aspect of mixed media journaling is the freedom from self-judgment. Artists not only escape external critiques but also free themselves from their inner critic. The journal serves as a judgment-free zone, where artists can embrace imperfections and explore their creativity without worrying about their preconceived ideas of what looks good.
3. Creative Process Unleashed, Regardless of Aesthetic Norms:
Mixed media art journals celebrate the messy and unconventional. The focus shifts from adhering to conventional beauty standards to embracing the authenticity of the creative process. Artists can enjoy the exploration of ideas, techniques, and materials without being confined by the expectations of what is traditionally considered beautiful. This is one of the valuable things I find in art journaling. I feel free to explore, create, and go further on the exploration. It’s in this creative process where I allow myself to be free where I find my most creative ideas and where I have been discovering my inner voice, my own process. By exploring I also find what I like and what I don’t like.
4. Finding Beauty in Imperfection:
Within the pages of a mixed media journal, imperfection is not only accepted but considered a part of the creative journey. Artists can experiment freely, knowing that even what may be perceived as "ugly" has its own unique charm. Accepting imperfection becomes a practical tool for self-discovery and resilience in the creative process.
5. Personalized Artistic Language
The artistic language that emerges in mixed media journals is a practical reflection of the artist's authentic self. Artists are free to express themselves without the constraints of personal judgments, allowing for a diverse visual narrative that may include elements considered unconventional or even "ugly" by societal standards.
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I consider that In the world of mixed media art journals, the dichotomy between ugly and beautiful fades away, offering a practical sense of creative freedom and personal liberation. Artists are invited to redefine their understanding of beauty, embracing imperfections, and allowing the authentic expressions within their journals to transcend societal norms. In this space of practical creativity, the journal becomes a mirror reflecting the true essence of the artist, untouched by conventional judgments of beauty.
So, grab your journal, let go of expectations, and enjoy the practical beauty that emerges from honest and unapologetic expressions of your creative spirit.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THIS SUBJECT?
HOW IT WAS WITH YOU WHEN YOU STARTED? OR ARE YOU STARTING AND FEELING THAT YOU ARE NOT SURE WHY ART JOURNALING IS GOOD? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.
If you haven't created your first handmade Art Journal or Junk Journal, or if you're looking to craft another one, here is a free class where I guide you through the process of creating an entire journal.
I'll explain my approach to selecting papers and combining them, empowering you to craft an art journal that inspires your creativity
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