Saturday, June 23, 2012

Caged In...

 I covered up some old journaling that I had already done on this double page spread with gesso and then covered it with some striped tissue paper.  I applied the tissue paper with matte gel medium.  I left it like that for a while before I decided what would go on the pages.  I drew out bird on an old piece of map paper, cut it out and colored it with oil pastel.  Then I stuck it on the page and drew the cage  and the heart - also with oil pastels.  I journaled using a black Sharpie marker.
This page was covered with gesso and then I added some torn map paper here and there with matte gel medium.  I used water color pencils to fill in the color on the background.  I also did some light journaling just to get some "stuff" off my chest and then promptly covered it up.  My bloggy friend, Lea, sent me a sweet package a way back when and there was all kinds of ephemera and goodies tucked in it.  One thing that was in it was a piece of material that was painted.  I've had it in my drawer forever waiting for a special use.   I tore it into strips and then used Mod Podge to adhere it and I also covered it with Mod Podge.
I added some details with the oil pastels again and also some Tim Holtz Distress Stain.  I love that stuff.  They come in bottles with a little dauber at the end for application.  Title was added with a black Sharpie.

When working in my soul journal, I am more interested in what I have to write or say than I am the "art" work usually.  However, because of the personal nature of the journaling, I often end up covering my words.  That's okay.  I'm still getting the journaling out there and I'm also allowing myself to be expressive.  There are times that I write out my words like a prayer and there are other times where they are just random sentences, thoughts, rambles that just come to mind.  I was speaking to a friend about this recently and I think I will be approaching my journaling a little differently and see what happens.  I really feel like I'm playing it safe sometimes and not being fearless with my art or my words.  That has to change. It's just something I know.

When you art journal, is it serious? Light-hearted? Does it mean anything?  All of the above? =)

3 comments:

SavedbyGrace said...

i absolutely love this. your creativity is amazing sis.

Leaon Mary said...

Girl I am blown away! I'll be honest I really don't remember what cloth it was I sent... but that it got to be a part of your art work tickles me to no end. I love how your book is your safe place of expression. That you can just put it all out there... and then cover what needs to so it's just between you and God and then ...you keep going forward in layers. Thank you for sharing some of your how to's as well because there's so much I want to learn! I like trying new products and often don't know what to do with them once I even get them you know? I too would love to see my journaling take a different direction. I'm almost ready to open a brand new journal, and I'd appreciate any advice you'd care to share. xoxo Have a wonderful sabbath today...holykisses, xoxo Lea

Renee! said...

Absolutely beautiful post! When I art journal, I just let my creativity flow and try not to think at all! I use it as a fun thing to release stress and creative block!
I just followed you from the Brave Girls Blog group... I'd love it if you'd follow me too!
xoxo
Renee!