What IS an Art Journal, Anyway??

Today is February 5, and it was almost a year ago (Feb 14, Valentine's Day) that I bought my very first art journal. You can read the post about how it began HERE. Ever since then, I've been working on spreads within the journal, using all kinds of interesting mixed media techniques to enhance my art.

I have also spent time reading books about art journals, blogs, and watching youtube videos on the subject. A lot of work is phenomenal. You can tell the artist spent a lot of time and effort on the pages. Then there are others, who simply drop papers here and there, collage them together, add random text, etc. You get the picture. And neither is way is wrong! One thing I've been told lately is that, no matter what the common consensus on what an art journal "is", it is what YOU make it. And that definition works just fine for me :) A journal is, like art, self-expression, and there is no right/wrong way to do that, as long as you are true to yourself!

This spread below has been worked on here and there for months. I added clips of magazines for the buildings, stamped the background sky, added pen work, and the words Repent, plus the sign that says "Time is Short..." I started this a while back, and it was not what it turned out to be :) Art journals are funny that way... you can begin with one thing in your mind, and, over time, the more you add to it, it grows into something else entirely. I love the process!

Here is my latest spread that I just created. I was inspired by the story of Nick Vujicic, a man who was born without limbs but who has a plan for his life from God. It is really beautiful and inspirational. This man has such a joy flowing out from him, and it is so wonderful to see it. You can learn more about him HERE.