I am currently enrolled in an on-line art journaling course. It has had my full attention for the past 3 weeks. I have been absorbed in translating my painting process into the journal pages using different media. Oils take too long to dry to achieve the very quick results I need to work at the pace I am.
Acrylic, collage, pastel, and ink are among the materials I have been playing with and it really is play.
Each step has been a new path to explore, from the inner realms to the physical art creation. The two mirror one another as they do in creative flow but it has been a refresh button to abandon my known techniques and act on impulse alone and in the spirit of discovery without any other purpose. It is very freeing.
The pages (double spread) have been given themes, all originating from a master theme of getting to know yourself. I am working through my heritage in various forms and formats.
There's a truly rewarding dialogue that occurs along side of the creative process . Each mark, tear or paste a metaphor, something shifts in recognition inside.
This is my 3rd spread. 'Siblings'.
The most exciting moment is also the most anxious. Just before making your first mark.
Once you have begun, it is exhilarating following each movement and inspiration to the next.
By no means have I stopped my regular painting process but I have taken a little sabbatical to dive into the course instruction and pay attention to what comes next. It is already informing me of new directions.