30 Journals 30 Days

So I've been following the blog of Dirty Footprints Studio. And she's been featuring art journalers over the past month. One a day. And they've all been amazing. She's calling it 30 Journals 30 Days. But there are 31 days in July - so she's added an extra feature where everyone features themselves in their own blog on the 31st. And adds a link to her page.

It's just been so wonderful to watch that now Iwant to participate.

So... here goes -

1. How long have you been Art Journaling? The first Art Journal I ever started was on Jan. 29th. at 8:45pm. (Back in the day when I use to date and time pages.) It was before I ever knew what "art journaling" was. I was given a sketchbook and I tried my hardest to JUST sketch in them, but leaving them "unfinished" really bothered me. I've kept diaries ever since about the 2nd grade. (The spelling is comical.)

This is the first page in the first book.

2. How has Art Journaling impacted, changed, or enhanced your life? For a long time working in my journal was my cure. It gave me a safe place to work through some difficult things. It gave me a place to thoughts that I didn't know what to dowith and things I was ashamed of. It worked better than any therapy. Better than any drug.

3. What are a few of your favorite Art Journaling materials to use? I've always considered myself a recorder more than an artist. I have a compulsive need to keep record whether that be by keeping an art journal, diary, or taking a TON of pictures. So - I really love ANY kind of image transfer. Gel medium, winter green oil, packing tape. I also love just using photos.

4. Who are your favorite Art Journalers? I love them all. I seriously have not come across an artist that has worked in a book that I have not immediately felt some kind of bond to. But there's one specific artist that I adore. Dan Eldon. Not only did he keep an art journal but he's tak

en that step to make a difference in the world. It's a beautiful reminder to me of what art is capable of.

5. What kinds of words of encouragement would you say to an Art Journal newbie? Hm. Never been one to give out advice, but I guess just from my experience with it. Don't be afraid. Try everything. This is your safe place. To do, say, write, paint - whatever however you want. And if you don't like it - turn the page. You don't have to show it to anyone. You don't have to ever look at it again. Just by doing - I think there's growth and that's worth the work.

6. Where can we contact you? Ha! Everywhere.

Deviantart. Twitter. Tumblr. I think I've tried out every social networking platform out there...

The Joy of Six

It's been busy.
You'll have to excuse my absence. I decided that I REALLY want to go back to school in the Fall, so I've been working my butt off to get a portfolio ready. (I turned it in yesterday.) So this post is long over due. I have a few things that might be fun to share!

First - I had my very first exhibition. It's still up currently until April. If you're in Buford, GA before then you should check it out. <3 These are mine.

So far my New Years resolution of working larger has been a success. I have ideas running in my head for new pieces that I'd like to work on soon.

I also received my copy of "In Our Own Words" the other day. For those of you who don't already know this book is the project of a non-profit in the UK called, Harmless. They specialize in assisting those that deal with self-injury. And they do an amazing job at it. The book will raise funds for them. And I contributed a painting.

You can pick up a copy here. That's the form you have to download and fill out and send it. I'm not yet sure if it's available to people outside of the UK.

I think that's about it for now.
I find out the results of my portfolio sometime in the next 3 weeks via e-mail. Yay!

Commissions and Gifts

I did a few commissioned pieces during the holidays.
Then I decided to do a few smaller paintings as gifts.

Also knitted two scarves. But I forgot to snap some photos of them before I gave them away.