Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Art Journaling in Perspective

In the midst of the more "practical" preparations for my craft show on Friday evening, my art journal has been a daily creative constant.
Right now my attention has been on creating inventory lists, tying business cards to shopping bag handles, and fashioning a Studio 791 sign for the front of my table.
There is a certain amount of creativity involved in this work, but a lot of it is more practical or repetitive in nature.
On top of this work, there have been family responsibilties, and, more recently, terrible flu symptoms.
Sometimes I only manage a few minutes at my work table--I put down a few lengths of paper tape, stamp out a phrase, or create a quick Zentangle design.
I definitely like it best when I can sit down for 20 minutes to an hour and make a full page or spread.  But even these stolen daily moments give me a feeling of satisfaction to take to sleep with me.
For awhile, I felt like working in my art journal was my only creative endeavor, and I felt like I was limiting myself.  But I didn't have time for much more.
Now I feel that art journaling is in its proper place--for me, that is.  It's not the only creative work I am doing.  But it's a daily discipline, a daily playtime, a daily satisfaction.

10 comments:

scrapwordsmom said...

Oh I love that...a daily discipline. I want to make my Art Journal that kind of place...right now that's my blog...that practice of writing daily. I have been doing it for 20 plus years!!

I am off to read about your show...I missed that post!!! How exciting!

aprilmariecole.blogspot.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
aprilmariecole.blogspot.com said...

Sorry about last post... phone rang!
As I was stating, such a wonderful discipline to create,have,and to hold onto! :]
Thank you for sharing... your pages look great too. *hugs*

laurie said...

i am always absolutely amazed at how much you accomplish! you are able to get so much out of a day and in such a loving and creative way. i can't wait to hear how your craft show goes. wish i could be there with my checkbook. :-)

VivJM said...

Sorry to hear you've had flu symptoms. Your art journalling looks great, and I think it is really important to have some daily creative discipline, especially as mother of young kids. You are an inspiration!

Best of luck with your craft show xxx

donna!ee said...

gorgeous spread of color & content! thank you much for sharing ... blest be! :)

Janet said...

That's a great way to describe journaling....a daily discipline. That may explain why I seem to go in streaks with mine. I've never been very good with discipline!

Leanne said...

Oh, how this makes me want to keep up with art journaling!!! I started one months ago, but haven't done a good job of updating it. I'm hoping your inspiration will encourage me to visit it soon!

Andria said...

Don't get me wrong, Ladies...I'm no great example of discipline. But art journaling is a super-fun place to try it! Thank you for all of your sweet, supportive comments.

Parabolic Muse said...

You amaze me.