It really is about the Process

 We began our first session of art journaling Yesterday in our Brown Bag Pocket Art Journals.  I've been doing my style of collage mixed media art for about 27 years...not trying to boost to much about though.  The situation for all of us that enjoy being creative is to let go of the end results.   I have to admit I still want a good turn out for my time and buck spent at the art table.  

Art Journal is something many of us want to do but find out early on our expectation of what we think and see around us of Art Journaling isn't happening in our little journals.   I try to listen and tune into what is going on inside of me and what art materials I like to work with.   But what if you've not worked with art materials in a long time or ever?   Then what? 

Learning that your hands are tools and then add something in your hands, scissors, paint brush, drawing medias, stencils or stamps...they are tools too.  Working with them and allowing yourself to see what they do is a must.   And with that must will be some raw marks and some disappointments.  That's the Facts...but it's always a win, win when you try it out and fail with what you thought would happen.  You trying something different the next time,  there is the key to a practice of process and learning.  You see what these tools can do in your own hands. 

The discovery is amazing at times and other times it's like this little Creativity quote. I ask are you willing to hang in there past number 4 and find out what happens? 

The students in the class have hung on my every word about what to do, and now to do it and now they have to learn how to listen to what they like and don't like in their process of creating.  Keeping a practice of some kind of creative response to our world documents our presents. The creative art making that is done in a journal is just as beautiful and meaningful as a piece of fine art.  But in some what different ways.  One is hung, set on table or become a statue, the other is held in your hands and visited often.  The art journal starts to become a companion to your life, a sidekick.   We might even become amazed at the collection of journals we start accumulating and see the importance it's making upon our life.    

Art journaling evolve into a spiritual practice where you soul knows and guides you and you start to have these wonderful awakening moments.  It's why so many people do it in some way of grasping the greater meaning in there lives.   Sound a bit whoooie?   Sure I'm sure it does...  But to play with art supplies and make a mess and then the next day do the same thing again and again the next day you start to understand what you are working with in your hands, heart and mind.   But you have to give it a chance.  Instant results are not the process are they?  

Well can you tell I'm passionate about process.   When asked what is your favorite piece of art you created and you can respond with the one I'm working on now...then you have the understand of process.   

The students have one more day with me to just explore, experiment and art journal. 

Sharing some opinions and experience. That's all.