Art journaling has been a constant in my life for over 15 years now. I do it for many reasons, for the enjoyment, as a place to experiment and play, try out new mediums and ideas. To record my memories and experiences and as a place to process complex and sometimes difficult emotions. It is my own personal therapy.
I don’t know what I would have done without it over the years and it has especially come in handy over the last year!
Sometimes when I need to get something off my chest, I sit with my journal a write everything down. This in itself is therapeutic however I go further. I add collage, and colour, texture, and pattern. Cover up my words and express my emotions through art. The pages aren’t often pretty but the process feels like I have physically removed the worry and placed it on paper and I feel 10 times lighter afterward.
Sometimes the process helps me to see a positive in the situation or answers a question that I was struggling with. My journals really do become a safe place to vent, I can really rant and rage within the confines of a page and come away in a far better mood. Nobody ever needs to see it and if they did they would be unlikely to understand what it is about.
My journals have become constant companions and confidants helping me through difficult days and I wouldn’t be without them. If you fancy having a go yourself why not check out one of my courses.
Lisa