At one time, I kept an Art Journal on a regular basis. Going through the box of writing I insisted on bringing with me from Canada, I came across some old pages. I thought I might share some of them with you.
They are all from 2004. After three years of being with my parents and assisting them in being able to stay in their home, suddenly they were both gone. I had a lot of decisions to make. There was much work to be done. I was still grieving the loss of my marriage. I was still processing and healing from aftermath of a 'terminal' cancer, which of course I did not accept in any way shape or form. In the middle of it all, I retreated to an Ashram with a dear friend. During a meditation Papa came to me as 'the sun' (el sole) (not on this page) and Mama as a bird carrying a star in her beak. I brought these drawings to my journal and used them as part of the spread to honour them and the changes which were happening in my life.
I remember in all my journals I adored using beads, vintage stampings, old keys and anything else of a 3D nature I could get my hands on. I still do. Here are a few pages from 2004. Look at those lovely vintage pressed beads .. angel and elephant. I had drawers of the stuff .. now I cannot seem to find any of it. What is available is totally out of reach financially.
 |
| Papa could 'hocus pocus'. It was one of his gifts. Any child could confirm it. Gum and candy magically appeared, quarters, dimes and nickles. Even garage doors could be opened by saying the magic words. Mama loved pansies. She grew magnificent bouquets which graced the tables. Her elephant collection was famous and quite extensive. Elephants from all over the world came home with them to be enjoyed as a beautiful collection. |
So here we are in 2011. Much has changed. I seem to be going through another patch of rather heavy stuff. Journaling always helps me. Here's the beginning of a new one.
In the past, my journal of choice has been 81/2 X 11 spiral bound high quality sketch book. They are available here. I found one at the art shop. Nearly $40.00. SO ... new approach. I bought several large sheets of water colour paper. They cut into eight sheets (sixteen if you count two sides). I will do lots of spreads, then bind them. It's a little smaller, however I can make it reasonably and carry it with me when I want to write.
 | ||
| Living in the land of colourful oil cloth has it's advantages. I can use it for page edgings as well as great pockets to tuck writing I don't want everyone to see. |
 | |||||||||
| I'll just complete a few pages a day and soon I'll have a writing journal. Actually, I'm enjoying the process. |
Wow .. I can learn a lot from this quote ....
“I do not believe in failure. It is not failure if you enjoyed the process.” Oprah Winfrey
7 comments:
Thanks for sharing your lovely journal pages, they are very loveley, and very touching. And it is always good to carry on when needs may be - and this seem sto be one of those times, so let your creativity run wild. Loved the things you got fom Tee, she is a very generaous lady! Havea good day, and take care, Valerie
Glad your internet is back...I feel so disconnected when I lost my internet as well.
All this colourful art is giving me ideas for projects with the girls,..it's hard to motivate, so I will have a point of reference.
Love & Hugs,
xo
I love seeing your 2004 journal and your 2011 journal, Donna who does it! Good plan to take the watercolor paper and make your own, very smart. I think the writing in it and the art will be just what you need. I only recently started art journaling so I don't have one to look back to yet! I will enjoy following yours, Donna. Love the bright colors and your use of the crayons. therapeutic, isn't it? xo lenna
WOW...what a marvelous journal you created as part of the healing process. The pages you shared are beautiful!
Your 2011 journal will take on a whole new look as you carve out your inner peace and document the process.
What a talent you have, Donna. I have never written a journal. I keep all of my thoughts inside which I'm sure isn't healthy. I would think writing about them would put them in the proper perspective. PLUS, YOU HAVE SUCH A MARVELOUS TALENT TO WRITE as well as do art.
Thanks for sharing another part of your life with us.
GOOD NEWS . . . my knee is much better today. Still not active but I think in a couple more days I'll be back to doing routine chores.
Hugs,
C
Donna, your pages are FABULOUS!! I am just starting to learn the wonders of art journaling with my new class and also a book a friend loaned me. I can see endless possibilities, but I feel like a total beginner. I have long been a journaler, much less long doing art and never really had a strong desire to put the 2 together, but it seems that is the direction I am heading! One of our lessons was about creating journal pages from magazine pages - you can even tape 3 or 4 of them together and stitch to make a heavy page. Then gesso, paint, etc. and do what you want with it. A little of the original page shows through, which is cool. Fun, easy and cheap!! Thanks for sharing your lovely pages!!
Your journal pages past and present are beautiful and hold such emotion. I can tell that writing in them really helps you express your inner self and helps with the healing process. Keep working on them....thanks for visiting today and yes I am free for lunch under the Eiffel tower. take care, gerri
Wow, I LOVE your pages! Fantastic. And such talent you have!
Post a Comment