Creative Corner: Art Journaling

“I found that I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.”  —Georgia O’Keeffe

Welcome to DHOH’s art journaling initiative!  With 2020 in the rearview mirror, it is time for a little ‘RR’— Reflection and Re-direction— to help us enjoy the freshness of each new month in 2021 and beyond.

There are many benefits associated with stretching one’s creative muscles.  Art journaling’s self-directed process promotes a freedom to explore that may improve clarity—through observation and organization of thought, empower self-expression, reduce daily stress, nurture growth and greater self-awareness, inspire self-confidence, and renew joy in acts of discovery and accomplishment without fear of failure or judgment.

Look forward each month to exercising creativity through a new art journal prompt.  Our self-paced activities are built with the flexibility to accommodate materials, time, and focus.  With each prompt, you will have the option to dive in for a deep stretch or take a lighter approach as time or energy level dictates—you are in control. Do with purpose what serves your needs best.

May’s Journal Prompt:

Word Power!

Materials:

Journal paper (suggested size 8.5 x 11 or larger)

Water-color paints, colored pencils, markers, and/or crayons

3 elements to add depth or texture (example – color over sandpaper, add crinkled tissue paper…)

Activity Instructions:

1. Select a word from the list below or any word that you feel a connection to today
2. Find a fitting quote, poem, or song lyric that you like related to your word selection.
3. Build layers of colors, textures, and shapes that express and accentuate your creative mood and convey your thoughts on the word.
4. Modify any of the above to best suit your art journaling goals.

Word List:

*Friendship:  Create a page that expresses recognition and appreciation of a special friend (yes, furry friends totally count!)

*Open: What’s opening?  A door?  A new opportunity?  Your eyes?  The community?

*Balance:  This art prompt could be about balancing things in life or balancing the colors on your journal page.

*Soar:  Birds, hopes, and aspirations.

*Recovery:  There are many types – consider these:  an event, illness, loss, data breach, or any others of relevance.

*Complete:  What completes you?  Or, what have you recently completed?

*Hunger:  Explore the many types of hunger.  What feeds your hunger?

*Travel:  Where would you go?  How would you get there?

Relax, unwind, create and enjoy!!!!   Make it light and breezy, or dive deep.  It’s totally up to you!