I tried something different this week when it came to my art journal. Part of the prompt was to use something non-traditional and to think about negative space. (As an aside last year during C.R.E.A.T.E. we had a “Negative Space” drawing class. We do some interesting things during those retreats!) I figured it was a perfect time to use the old letters and envelopes I bought in bulk off etsy. I loved that the envelopes are traditional airmail themed ones and I like that writing on them has nothing to do with me. Someone else’s story is a part of my journal.

The letters were written on almost transparent like thin paper. So I folded them various ways to try to create some blank space on them but that didn’t work. The only thing I could think of at the time was to use the letters as the background paper for one side of my journal. It does make an interesting pattern.

To create writing space, I just added another layer of white paper to one part of the page and wrote my musing onto there. I also used a few scraps of paper and decorate tape to add some pop to my page. I’m thinking of going back later and maybe adding some words on top of the envelopes and maybe doodling over the handwritten letters that’s serving as my background. We’ll see.

The title of our prompt this week was “Statement Page.” I decided to “make a statement.” Lately, I’ve been feeling overrun by all my projects. Sort of like overdosing on creativity. I’m only four weeks into January and I’ve done like 20 things from a craft party to interviewing a fire artist to doing photography for a band to filming a burlesque show to taking five pole classes ….. and the list just goes on and on. I’m grateful for it but I also have to remind myself to relax, enjoy the journey and to take my time.

The beginning of my journal page says, “Its not a race. It’s most definitely not a game. It’s your LIFE. Every moment. There is the choice to be present, mindful and intentional or you ca move so fast that it all slips away until you exhaust yourself. Success and achievement is nothing if you aren’t present DURING the journey. If you succeed at all cost, sacrificing everything, you lose one thing in the end….YOURSELF. What’s any of it worth then?”

Note to self: SLOW DOWN. Relax. Do nothing for two minutes and see what happens.

A friend pointed out this Maya Angelou quote, “Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”

To see all my Art Journal All Year post, click here.

To see a brief history of my art journal process, click here.