Art journaling... I've been doing this for years, Its helped me navigate some tough times that's for sure. Its ebbed and flowed and ceased all together at times, but its always been there for me, waiting quietly in the back ground, the paints pens and pencils have brought me out of some dark places over the years. To think these simple supplies could do so much! 

I've recently been sharing some of my processes and techniques to indigenous youth through a mentorship program and have seen it take hold in them. Art journaling in my opinion is something once learned and trusted can be life changing, I hope this type of journaling is as helpful for them as it has been for me. These sessions have inspired me to share here.

The process on these pages only differs slightly from page to page. I always start on 90lb inexpensive watercolor paper. that has been bound into a homemade journal. (perhaps a full explanation on journal making in another post)  I like a stream of consciousness writing style, I might start with a thought that's been plaguing me or a question or even something someone said to me, and from there I just let it all spill out, I don't worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation. I just write continuously and as I fill the page I turn it 90 degrees and start writing across what I've already written making it indecipherable. This gives me peace of mind and no fear to write whatever comes to mind, knowing no one will ever be able to read the scrambled script. I then move onto gesso, and color, acrylic or watercolor and this too I just let my mind wander and flow following my intuition. If I feel stuck I ask google for inspiration finding pictures of animals, scenery, people, whatever I'm gravitated to in that moment. I don't ask why I just trust the process and let it take me away.

Adding words, aspirations poetry and quotes is something of an after thought. If I feel it needs the addition I'll add it.

Sometimes the page surprises me with its beauty. Sometimes its a mess. Sometimes it's a burst of vibrant color, a symphony of patterns. Other times its an actual depiction of something. But always, after the final mark is made, a sense of relief washes over me. It's as if I've released a pent-up energy.

I hope these pages, created with no intention of sharing, will inspire you to embrace the creative process in all its forms. Don't be afraid of the messy, the chaotic, the unfinished thoughts. Within the chaos, you'll find unexpected colors, hidden insights, and surprising beauty.

so here it goes, a few of the pages that helped me. 

An altered book page done a while ago with a friend. We passed the book back and forth each taking a turn creating a two page spread, I think it was passed at least 10 times.

Created in a small homemade travel journal, this page was done on a quick weekend getaway with Hubby. We left the kids with my dad, I guess I was enjoying the peace.

This page done in just pencil, I've used the method of journaling described above to cover only part of the page giving it extra texture and interest.

I love to make my own stencils and masks, I used the face profile I made to create this page. you can just barley see the stream of consciousness journaling in the white portions. I love the texture and interest it creates.

In this page I journaled on top of the paint but in a messy half written script that's impossible to read and to mirror the subject of the journaling I've added some found poetry.

This is the most recent page I've done. I'm fascinated with ravens, their beauty, mystery and intelligent nature intrigues me. I found the reference photo at Pixabay.com and the poem online. I haven't journaled on this page preferring to just draw today.