An old castle bathed in starlight. A rare, blue flower blooming in the faint glow of a new moon. Tangled, green vines reaching upwards..... energy, growth, hope & stability... ?? I like to think so!
Journaling as art therapy is something I find really interesting. The idea that letting your conscious mind recede while doing something creative, allows the sub-conscious to come forward and express itself.
I've seen this in action while writing 'morning pages' (Julie Cameron - 'The Artist's Way') and since I don't do a lot of diary writing these days, I like to look back at my own art journaling. What is it that I might be trying to tell myself, or express. Sometimes it can be nothing at all - it's just a piece of art. Sometimes there is more to it. Self-portraits in particular, can be very telling.
I need to read some books on the subject, find out more. Maybe see what Carl Jung had to say...
I do like this Patti, and the idea of journaling as art therapy. I know literally nothing about it, but would like to explore by doing. In fact, I think I'm going to spend a little bit of time in the studio tomorrow! Blessings and joy, O
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting. I love these soothing colors. And also your contemplations about journaling/ verbal vs visual. Of course Jung spent many years making a mandala a day as I seem to recall. Plus his tower room. Even without thinking as art as therapy, I think all art explores the psyche of the artist and externalizes internal issues even though many artists would deny this.
ReplyDeleteOh, I didn't know Jung made a mandala a day. I really like this picture, Patti.
ReplyDeleteI've been doing art journaling for over 2 years now and I cant even tell you how much it has done for me : ) Nobody but me...what goes into my journal is just for me & I share what I want. Good luck with it.
ReplyDeleteI Like the idea of doing this. Judy Wise makes beautiful art journals. I don't know if she considers them therapy or not, but I too would think what ever art we are doing is theraputic in many ways, on many levels. I feel so anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe picture on this page feels good to me.