On Monday night I led my first art journaling workshop. I have been buzzing from it for days now.
You might be wondering what an art journal is so I’ll give you the lowdown. An art journal (or visual journal) is probably different for everyone but I will tell you how I define it. It’s a book containing painting, collage, drawing, photographs, stamping and writing from the heart. By combining your journal writing with visual elements you create a really powerful form of expression. Something raw and personal. Joy, pain, hurt, happiness, and gratitude can all be expressed in an art journal.
What I love most about art journaling is that it is art that is personal. No approval or audience is necessary. It is art that is purely about the journey and the final product is completely secondary. Though, quite often, the final product is surprisingly beautiful in its personal expression.
So on Monday night, I rounded up some good friends and put together an art journaling workshop for them. It was such a fun and amazing experience. We bonded and we worked together and we created the beginnings of some really wonderful art journals. I was so impressed by the creativity and the willingness of the group to just jump in and go for it. It was awesome and we can’t wait to do it again.
My ultimate goal is to begin offering art journaling workshops more widely to a larger group of people. I’m planning to put together some day-long workshops this summer and I can’t wait to get a big wonderful group of people together to dive into some self-exploration and personal expression.
If you think this is something that might interest you I would love it if you would let me know. I’m hoping to bring you a really wonderful, knock-your-socks-off experience. I’m so excited I can hardly wait.
One of the women in the group who initially expressed some concern about not being very artistic, sent me a note the next day that said, “Thanks for helping me find my inner artist”.
Smile. Smile. Smile. Smile. Smile.
This post is beautiful and inspiring! I have been wanting to do workshops like this in my city for awhile, but reading your post is really motivating, thank you!
I am very interested in this workshop! My sister too! Keep me posted for future workshops. We live a distance away, Barstow and Rancho Cucamonga. You inspire us~*~* thank you~