a visual journal

A journal is an essential part of this program.

Throughout the course, I ask that you keep a journal, ideally one that allows you not only to write but also draw in.

It could be used to document your day-to-day experiences, thoughts, insights and emotions.

A visual journal combines writing with imagery as a way of journaling. It is a powerful way to explore your conscious life and unconscious materials.

A visual journal also helps us to explore our inner world over a period of time. As we review the entries, we can note changes from week to week and month to month.

Research has shown the regular practice of creating via an art journal can decrease your body’s stress responses and enhance health.

The point of art journaling is NOT to create a masterpiece.

Please don’t feel pressured to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with.

With any of the prescribed experiment, don’t try to force it or plan, go with what feels right when it comes to the form, colour, shape and choices of your symbolism.

You are invited to be playful, spontaneous, and to enjoy the process of creating without worrying about the outcome.

Starting a visual Journal

Depending on your skills and interests, you get to do your journal in your way. Some people want a small notebook; others prefer a big sketchbook.

Some prefer to do a combination of drawing and doodling, and others want to collect images from magazines and newspapers to create collages.

You can paint, draw, or do none of the above at all.

The most important thing when choosing your journal is that it connects with your deeper self.

MATERIALS YOU MAY NEED

Most of the time, you will need nothing more than your visual journal, a smartphone or a digital camera to take pictures.

But for a fuller experience of this journey, and to have more fun in various art experiments, it might be useful to have the following handy:

- A large drawing board

- Pens and highlighters in a range of colours

- Coloured papers in various sizes

- Small objects that could be used as symbols- leaves, gemstones, shells, etc

- Candles, perfume, incense

- Clay, air-dried or otherwise

- Scissors, glue stick or white glue

- Collage materials like newspaper or magazines, inspiring images, affirmative words