Simple Journal Prompt

Front: 2 sheets connected with big fat metallic silver tape strips

Back: 2 sheets connected with big fat metallic silver tape strips

Sometimes the simplest journal prompt can be the most powerful. Elizabeth Bunsen mentioned her, "Manifest Journaling " technique recently and about a week later, I took two cut down watercolour papers, my odd but fun Holbein watercolour palette, ink and some Zig markers and made my own version of Elizabeth's prompt.

Without having just read, Journal Spilling, I may not have taken the plunge and done this prompt.

Since making the pages, I've put up a mini altar in my bedroom window where I light two candles to manifest the hidden but meaningful thoughts.

Review: Journal Spilling

Journal Spilling Cover ©

I thought I'd leisurely read Journal Spilling at Callicoon's new cafe, drinking coffee and taking in the last rays of sun, instead what I wanted to do was follow along with Diana and spill all over my journal(s).

The book is written in a refreshing, engaging and experienced voice--the voice of Diana Trout. “Free expression” exercises, the book’s subtitle, are skillfully woven throughout the book putting the reader, and journal maker at ease.

It is a book that motivates both the long-term journal keepers, like myself, and the novice, to set up and gather a few supplies and tools, anywhere, and just do it in its opening chapter, Warming Up. In fact, it fosters just what the title suggests, a way in which to create an organic, self defined journal just spilling onto a page from a box of crayons, a watercolour palette or a bottle of ink.

Judgment free, the chapters build on each other, and erase the terror often associated with trying to achieve the perfect page with precious materials. Instead, the Censor takes back stage while the Creator relaxes, explores and produces a seemingly effortless personal journal page(s). The book's chapter, "Taming the Critic" does some of the work, but it is the book in its entirety that grants the reader total permission to move beyond that "do not trespass" sign artists often experience.

Artistic Attempts Cover ©

At midpoint in reading the book, I found myself, “spilling” here, there and in my “Artistic Attempts “ journal—an altered calendar resurfaced with gesso.

The Words Speak for Themselves ©

The fact that I was able to venture so freely and spontaneously into a journal spill is testament to the writer’s skill and the books value. Too often, I weigh myself down with pensive pondering and few art pages.

I am not Picasso ©

My Censor and cacophony of Critics are shrill, but with Journal Spilling at my side and Diana’s voice in my head, perhaps I might yet capture that sense of freedom that arrives when we allow ourselves to just create.

Just Do It ©

You can get your copy of Journal Spilling from Diana directly with a bonus collage pack.

Treat yourself to this terrific book!

More Inspiration

Here are two videos made by Jessica Wesolek of Cre8it.

I met Jessica in Santa Fe, sometime in 2002, after I posted on an art list that I was going to New Mexico and she offered her adobe abode for a fortnight. A most inventive women, and I may blow some bucks on her Sheer Heaven paper as I love to do transfers and generally use Great White Imagining Paper.

An attempt at inspiration

One of my friends, down Texas, would often say, "get some inspiration by looking at other people's work," and so I decided that whilst buying some books for the Grands and other children I love, to buy LK's book on art journals.

I have several others, but LK, the founder of the original AJ list, is a rather unique creator and perhaps something will ignite my senses sufficiently to pull out one of dozens of journals I've started and have not completed.

I also believe the book includes some work from other journal artists I know, and in particular, Juliana Coles, with whom I took a class in Tempe.

Coles splashes, dashes and creates spontaneously, and her style is among the most freeing for those of us that ponder too much.