journals, visual journals, and book art

Where have the months gone? They have gone the way of sunny summer days- popsicle eating, kite flying, wave-hopping, sprinkler-running, and family road trips. And in between all that I have been preparing for teaching at EncaustiCamp in Salem, OR. I leave on Tuesday! I will be teaching two full workshops where we will be handbinding books and discovering ways to integrate encaustic with other media on the covers of the books and within the pages. I am really looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new connections. Last year was such a wonderful experience and I know this year will be as well.


sample of some of my books

Packing up and preparing for the week ahead has had me thinking about books, journals, and art journaling and how I have benefited from all three practices. I have kept a journal since I was young and my writing practice keeps me grounded and keeps me focused. I've always had a strange obsession with memory and perhaps even a fear that if I don't record it, I will lose it. And so I write and write and write.

Art journaling has always been a way for me to connect my love for writing with my need to communicate visually. I have found that while just writing is revealing, my visual journal entries usually tap into something even deeper. Some things just cannot be captured with words, for me.


Spread 12 in an art journal on "Home" 2006

Visual journaling has always helped me with providing a fertile ground for my imagination, experiments, and general playfulness. These entries are just for me, not to be exhibited or even shared with anyone else. Sometimes I'll just write a list of my to-do's for the day on top of a visual journal entry. Takes away the fear of "ruining" a page. Who cares! It's fun. It's about exploring.

And then there's book art. I was introduced to book art when I was in high school by my my ceramics teacher and mentor Margo Klass. Book art for me is just such an intriguing way to work. I am able to think about structure along with concept. I am able to create a piece that people can physically interact with. It becomes something intimate, rather than distancing, as some art can be. Creating book art is a challenge, but a challege that is always worthwhile.

Sheltered
mixed media- one of my first books I made incorporating beeswax
2005

If you are also a journaler, an artjournaler, a book artist- I would love to hear how you use these modes of expression for yourself. I love flipping through people's journals, trying not to pry, but still- the life that is within the pages-- always so inspiring! So, are you a writer? An art journaler? A book artist? How do they help you?

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This photo was taken last month at the Zhou B Art Center's 3rd Friday Art Walk event. I have my bowl paintings up in Studio 303 right now and they will be up for a little bit longer. If you are interested in purchasing, get in touch with me or Jenny Learner. Or stop by at the Zhou B if you're local. It's a really great building filled with galleries, exhibition space, and artist studios.



Jenny had set up her palette and waxes during the opening for people to experiment with some new tools. So much fun! Well, that's all for now until after EncaustiCamp!