Discovering Artist Journaling

I have been thinking about reintroducing creativity into my life.  For the many years I was studying for my masters degree, I felt like I had little free time for projects and artist expression. The left side of my brain was kicked into high gear... and I loved it. Yet, when I finished my studies this summer I felt like something was missing. I have two sides of my brain, and the right side was feeling a bit dormant.  

Last month I was introduced to something that has been fun and life giving. It came about as I was having a conversation with my new French/English/Nevadan artist friend. This is the kind of artist who actually displays her own artwork and has an art studio in her home. I was expressing my interest in starting something creative. I told her I had gone as far as purchasing my drawing journal and collected up my pencils. And I honestly shared with her that I was a bit intimidated to begin.  

It was at that point that she introduced me to the concept of Artist Journaling. She put a visual book in my hands to explore and introduced me to the Facebook community where they share their artwork and tips. What is encouraging is that no one does it exactly the same. Click here to take a look Artist Journal Workshop.

After breakfast the next morning we wandered around her ranch, where I was staying, and selected a spot to sit and draw.  She reminded me to keep the first pages blank so that I could do a title page. I would go back and do that later when I had time.  

At first I was so distracted and overwhelmed with all that was around me. We sat at the edge of their koi pond surrounded by bamboo. As I sat in quiet and beheld what was near me, my eyes started to "see"... to really take in with detail the beauty of the area in which I sat. I looked for a starting point that caught my eye--the lily pads--and began.  

I will admit that I was a bit intimidated when I looked over and saw that my friend had started drawing in black ink. I wasn't at that confidence level yet--I started in pencil and a very light touch at that. As I just let go and continued to relax, the scene took shape in my journal. After the pencil sketch was done, I went back and added darker pencil strokes. I then added details and shading with my colored pencils.

I took a moment and looked over what I had created--I was amazed that I really liked it. Yet, there was a lot of empty space on my page. At that point my friend suggested that I add a frame. I had already put pencil smudges on the top of my page so I could figure out the darkness of each pencil before I used it. I decided to just frame the drawing part. Next came the entry of the date, location and occasion of the drawing--along with some description about the moment. That was when it really clicked for me--what a marvelous way of connecting the left and right sides of my brain. 

I attempted one other drawing that day and it was lackluster... I actually still dislike it. The amazing thing though is that by adding the written journaling part to the drawing, it told more of the whole story.  My friend, who my daughter calls a "Photo Ninja", had quietly captured me in the moment of drawing. It is a beautiful photo that I love and she surprised me with it later. I am fully immersed and enjoying what I am doing while in the midst of a beautiful setting. THAT part is amazing and I added a few snapshots my friend took from that day to my journal to help tell the story and remind me to focus on the bigger picture of the experience...not only the finished product. I have done some other art entries since then and have made sure to included the story and people I was with when capturing my journaling moments. 

I have also included a small section for "Lessons Learned" along the way.  Top three so far:

• Lesson #1:  Make sure the drawing journal you select has paper thick enough so that your drawing, coloring or painting won't bleed through to the other side.  My journal has too thin of paper so I have to skip every other page so I don't mess up the previous art entry. 
• Lesson #2:  The inspiration and memory of the experience may be more of a blessing than the actual art you produce (as I noted above).
• Lesson #3:  The friends you journey with are valuable choices and should appreciate you for who you are and enhance that. I am thankful for reciprocal sharing of other people's creativity, talents and time.  

I have since finished my Title Page.  It was a fun way for me to freely express the intent of what was to be contained within.  It allowed me to stay true to my style and desire of connecting left and right side of my brain--as such it includes words and a message to myself so that I will remember what the ultimate purpose is. 

On the left side of the Title Page, I wrote these words to encourage and remind me:

* Creative * Exploration * Quiet * Slowing * Observing * Experimenting * Being * Making * Learning * Not Perfect * Words * Fun* Slowing * Trying New Things * Thinking 

On the right side of the Title Page, I wrote the following around the word "Journal" and glued a translation of it in the front cover:  Expressing the Journey - Living LIFE fully - Being present in the moment - really seeing - word choices - description - memories - dates - locations - along the way - joy - celebrating all God has done and will yet do - Not letting fear or perfection consume me - creativity - just because it is good to be creative - enjoying God's Creation by valuing it richly - letting go and flowing out - being delighted and surprised by the yet unknown - 

Last week, I added one more entry to my Artist's Journal. I was thinking about the theme of thanks and gratitude after talking with a friend. I took some time to sit down and express this in my own creative way. I was inspired by a decoration on display in my home. Again I started in light pencil, then darkened in black pen, and finally added details with colored pencils.  

               


Next, I added a Bible verse that I had been thinking about. 

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  
                1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Finally, I created a frame and recorded my response to the whole process as a praise to God. 

When I showed my family, they admitted that they could not read my handwriting. I was writing freely out of my heart and for me so I didn't worry about making it neat or readable. But it made me think that adding a translation might not be a bad thing--one day I might not be able to understand what I had written either and perhaps down the road my family may actually want to know what mom was thinking. Here is the translation if you are interested...

Give Thanks

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”                   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thank you Lord for your love and grace showered on all.  For all the blessings in my life I give you praise. * For my husband, Brian, and my children, Anna and Joshua—I am so thankful.  What amazing gifts they are in my life and to this world!  I am so excited about our future together and to see what you have planned for all who love you. * For newness and fresh starts—for your mercy and forgiveness—I praise you O Lord.  Amazing * For the simple things we often take for granted—I say thanks—for morning and the sunrises, for the first conscious breaths when we wake—for the sunshine and also for the rains—for shelter—food—clothes—for friends and for people who are challenging as both and all shape us to be more like you—for food that nourishes and the land it grows from and the hands that work to bring it to us—for the animals that give their lives for our sake and needs—for shelter and for safety—for emotions that help us know we are alive and are works in process.  The special pleasures of our senses to process and enjoy the world you have created and put us in.  I praise you O Lord for your continual presence in my life and in all the lives of those you love.  * In the good moments, the bad moments and the UGLY moments may I see your perspective and be patient that there is always more to the story when you are involved in our lives.  * May I be more like you—Jesus—as the Holy Spirit is in me and through me—for the glory of God and your light shining that shows perspective to all the world.  I give thanks.                                                                                    EB     November 7, 2013

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Farewell to October - Some Thoughts Before Moving On

I know it is now the beginning of November but I had a busy month of October and found that I was taking time to LIVE my life so I didn't have as much time to write. I have not gotten to blog in some time and as such, I wanted to catch up on some thoughts before I just let life roll on.

I love the month of October because it is my daughter's birth month and the occasion of my becoming a mommy for the first time. Both of my children are growing more and more into the people God has created them to be in wonderful ways that continually surprise me... and often leave me laughing. Both have a wonderful sense of humor. Anna recently went off on a humorous rant about dead chickens when she saw how El Pollo Loco prepares their food. It was stand up comedy worthy. Joshua had me laughing when he came downstairs one morning and said, "Ding, dong the wicked witch is dead." And then he looked at his sister and without missing a beat said, "Oh, I guess not." It was that time when you knew as a responsible mother you shouldn't be laughing and yet trying to tell him that it was inappropriate to talk like that. It is so fun to do life with them and enjoy their uniquenesses. If you know me, you know how much I love my family and feel so blessed. They bring out the best in me, challenge me to be better, and I can continually see God's grace in the fact that I haven't completely messed them up (I hope).

Fall is finally arriving here in Nevada and there is a definite change in the air. It is the welcome reprieve of cooler temps that we long for during the 115+degree blazing summer days. The change reminds me that there is rhythm to life--time is precious and there are seasons that come and go. I like the Fall and enjoy vibrant color displays on the trees. I like that kids get to dream about costumes and use their imaginations when dressing up for school celebrations and various community festivals. Friends and neighbors take nights of fun to socialize by hanging out with families at festivals and parks-- instead of being confined behind fortress walls.

And yet, as much as I try to glean the good stuff--as October comes to an end I am always relieved. I have to be honest. And here is why...

My daughter and I were walking through a costume store this past month while laughing together at the funny items on display in a few rows. Anna asked a clerk if they had any funny suspenders for her "nerd" costume and we were led RIGHT into the dreaded section I call "themed bikinis".  I mumbled under my breath and let out a big sigh. Perhaps these type of adult costumes have always existed, but I seem much more aware of them since I moved to the Las Vegas area and am trying to mentor a maturing young lady. In case you don't know what I am talking about, themed bikinis are costumes for women that seem to have a revealing top (micro in size) and matching bottoms that don't cover much. My husband keeps telling me he'd give me a thumbs up to try one out--I tell him "not a chance" and roll my eyes-- and we exchange a smirk. There was a cartoon going around this season that summed it up best and is EXACTLY how the display looked in one of the costume stores I visited. That was me this year-- with the big, shocked eyes. Yikes--really?

The other part of Halloween that wears on me is the overwhelming presence of evil. As Anna and I started to look for other costume items we found we had to fumble our way through the "gore" section.  It was disgusting and those were images I really don't want in my brain and memories. The worst thing is that it also makes me feel oppressed--evil clearly manifested. While I know that some find it fun--I personally hate the celebration of the gruesome.  Maybe like others who have experienced abuse, fear, anxiety, and other types of very real evil manifested in their lives --I don't think these feelings are fun and I make a choice to live in a way that leaves me healthy and whole--to be free and walk in the light. I try to avoid these triggers as best as I can and yet they are everywhere during this season!  While I can't control what others do, I can control what I look at or focus on.  So I try to look away and direct my thoughts elsewhere--I also try to avoid certain stores that are overwhelming. It is a relief when the Christmas decorations arrive on the shelves.

All this rattles around within me and has been something I continue to process year after year.

I remember my kids being 6 and 3 years old when my husband and I were discussing the "how" of participation for our family. This season offered invitations to pumpkin patches, harvest hoedowns at elementary school and church, and our small town hosted a storefront trick or treating day when families would go out and parade the costumes. It was a sweet time to be in community and walk around with my cuties.

Here is a photo from that season of life--weren't they just too darn cute! Time passes way too quickly and I would give anything to go back and live those moments again--more fully present and savor each special thing.  I am so thankful that I took some pictures. I hope you will take a moment to find your own favorite pics from when your loved ones were young and take some time enjoying the memories.

What I have come to realize is that the Fall season can be a great time to show hospitality and care for others. It is fun to host friends for supper and go walking in the nice weather as a large group. It can also be a great way to let your light shine for good-especially on Halloween.  Fun costumes make others laugh and give children cause to try out future career choices. Giving good quality candy can capture people's attention and you can bless each person at your door with a kind word or just a smile as a response to "trick-or-treat".

"Christ as Victor" or "Christ is Victorious" has come to serve as a central life theme during this season as there is great joy in celebrating Jesus' triumph over evil and our no need for fear.  It is amazing how many times the phrase "Do not be afraid" appears in Scripture.  One of my many favorites is from John 14:27-- Jesus says--“I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid." I am obviously still working this out in my life.  I give great credit to Dr. Scorgie, however, who was a former professor and provided our class with this article one October that opened up a new catalyst for processing. You can read it in full at this link.  Source Article

For me--I have come to realize that neither sticking my head in the sand nor over-emphasizing Halloween are options for me.  I realized that I need to redeem what I can and glean the gems out of every opportunity that exists in our culture--always processing how much of "in the world but not of the world" is wise and right. I began to face my fears and literally speak out loud "Christ is Victorious" anytime I encountered things that disturbed me or freaked me out. I actually did that while walking through the "yuck" part of that costume store and on Halloween night while encountering the "ick" while walking our neighborhood. I have also started to draw the sign of the cross on my hand or forehead with my finger--or make a cross across my body as a practical reminder that I am secure in Jesus and that I am God's child with nothing to fear. I normally say "Christ is Victorious" or "I am a child of God" while I do. I find it great to have a tangible way to get my mind off the bad stuff and to refocus on the good stuff.

Fall is a grand celebration of the harvest, changing seasons, and another year of God's provision. I am happy to now turn the calendar to November and begin the intentional focus on being thankful as the broader sense of celebrating the Fall season.  At the beginning of October, I decorated with pumpkins, fall colored leaves and flowers, and cute harvest scarecrows. Anna suggested that next year we decorate even more abundantly with the Fall theme since we don't do the scary-- I was already thinking the same way.  We have so much to celebrate--it's a choice on what we focus on.  I think that the way I want to live is by always redeeming the good.  And that ushers us right into Thanksgiving -- living a life of being thankful and having gratitude.