EPISODE TWENTY: Conceptual Visual Journaling
Unlocking Creativity: The Art of Visual Journaling
Welcome to "The Art of Making Art" podcast blog, where artists and art lovers alike are invited to explore the romance and reality of art studios and practices. I'm Christina Lowy, a visual artist based in Logan, Brisbane, and your host. My journey into the world of art is deeply intertwined with my passion for visual journaling, which I believe is the single most important tool in my artistic practice.
Today, I want to delve deeper into this powerful concept and share insights on how it can transform your creative process. Introduction to Visual Journaling Visual journaling is not just about keeping a sketchbook; it's a unique reflective and creative practice. Unlike sketchbooks that focus on artistic techniques, visual journals emphasize conceptual development. They are spaces for exploring ideas, documenting thoughts, and processing experiences. Visual journaling is about making ideas visible, expressing them creatively, and developing a personal narrative through both visual and textual means.
Why Visual Journals Matter
Visual journals provide a sacred space for creativity and self-expression. They empower artists to connect with concepts like identity, purpose, and value, and to engage in deep reflection. This practice becomes a transformative experience, galvanizing and empowering our voices. Whether you're exploring themes, reflecting on your emotions, or documenting research, a visual journal becomes a vital part of your artistic journey.
Building Your Visual Journal Practice
Getting started with a visual journal is simple. You don't need fancy materials; a basic sketchbook, some pens, maybe a glue stick, and you're ready to go. Personally, I prefer a trusty $17 sketchbook from Officeworks, which withstands my creative experiments without making me fear that I'm ruining something precious. The key is to make the journal a comfortable, accessible tool—a place where you can freely mark, jot, and even make mistakes.
For me, the tactile connection of pen to paper is irreplaceable. I use a brown pen, picking it up whenever inspiration strikes, whether I'm in my studio or lying in bed. This pen is my gateway to the creative flow, signaling my brain to engage in the soothing ritual of journaling. However, I encourage everyone to find their own preferred tools and methods.
The How and Why of Visual Journaling
Keeping a visual journal readily available ensures it's a constant companion in your creative journey. It should be integrated into your daily life, providing a space to explore, record, and reflect. Here are some themes you can include in your visual journal: - Exploring: Ideas, questions, inspirations, sketches. - Documenting: Costs, measurements, work in progress. - Researching: Book references, methodologies, artists. - Ruminating: Reflection, critique, stream of consciousness.
The goal is to create a comprehensive archive of your thoughts and artistic developments—a personal resource that you can continuously draw from as your practice evolves.
Visual Journaling Prompts
If you’re seeking inspiration for your visual journal, consider exploring exhibition prompts or collaborating with other artists. Engage in workshops outside your usual medium, allow yourself to be messy, and document the process. Here are some prompts to help guide your journaling:
Reflect on what finding beauty means to you.
Dive into themes from past projects that still intrigue you.
Collaborate with others or imagine ideal collaborations.
Rediscover old projects with fresh eyes and new skills.
Join Me in the Studio
To take this exploration further, I invite you to join me for an intimate studio session. Spend three hours with me and other artists, dive into visual journaling, and indulge in creative reflection.
These sessions are available on Friday 6th June and Sunday 8th June, with limited tickets to ensure an enriching experience for all participants. Visit my online store for more details and to reserve your spot.
As always, remember there are no strict rules in visual journaling. Your approach should reflect your creativity and needs. Whether you want to use colors, stickers, or stick to minimalistic notes, your journal should be an authentic expression of your artistic journey.
Let’s keep the conversation going—embrace your visual journals, explore, and create. Until next time, happy journaling!