Journaling - My New Project

Yesterday I went to The Goodwill used bookstore and bought several hard cover books - novels and non-fiction.

You can follow this metamorphosis as I cover over the words of this book with drawings, collages and paints to reform a book of my own.

I have chosen one, originally titled, The Book of Eleven, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and I am going to transform it into my own personal journal. The only reason that I chose this book was because I liked the size (5"x 5") and when I randomly opened the book, I read:

"I WANT TO THANK Dr. Seuss and his classic My Book About Me for introducing me to the process of putting thoughts down on paper, resulting in self-examination and unwarrented self-importance."

I LOVE Dr. Seuss!!!! His work has influenced me throughout my life.

Day 1:
I removed the dust cover and collaged a picture of myself and I have retitled it, The Book of Power, Goodwill, Hope: Understanding, Treatment and Resources.

New Podcast Available

View the new Podcast here:

3 Minute Art Therapy - Episode 003: Indomitable Spirit

I am preparing for her 2nd Dan Black Belt test in MMA. 

Through a frustrating series of unsatisfying art techniques, 

I find the meaning of Indomitable Spirit.

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Torn Paper Collage with Ink

It has been awhile, but I am back and my promise to you is that I will post my art again on a weekly basis (more often if I am able to).  

This is a ripped construction paper.  Glued together and than enhanced with ink pen design. 

I began this piece while I was working with a client.  She is an adult female who I feel is very controlled and fearful. After several weeks of her drawing, I took away some of her control and told her that she could only tear the paper.  As she worked I created my own torn paper collage.  I have been making art along-side my clients more often these days.  I have abstained from doing this in the past, but recently I feel that I can watch my clients without staring at them.  Otherwise, I get bored and the client sometimes feels judged.

I completed this collage by adding repeating patterns (some of which I borrowed from Henna designs).  I liked the focus that these tiny designs required, but at times it was exhausting and felt very much like I was perseverating. I like this and I want to do more in the genre. It is really an interesting juxtaposition of letting go of control and almost OCD control.

Soul Collage: Committee Suit "The Warrior"

This started out as "The Warrior". I wanted to portray my strength.  I am a strong person - physically and mentally.  I maintain my strength through the practice of martial arts and distance running. I travel for work, and I am often alone.  I need to feel strong when I am in a strange city. I trust that, if I had to, I could protect myself.  It may be a false sense of security, but I believe that we all need to live our lives with a sense of security - false or not.  If we do not live with some delusions, than life may be too hard to handle.  Maybe that is what causes people to be depressed. They live without delusion. They only see reality, without the silver-lining or rose-colored glasses  We need our delusions.

But I digress...

This collage became about something else. Now this collage seems to be about opposites.  I love the jockey on the snail.  Not sure why I originally chose this image.  So often my life is a "Hurry up and wait" or maybe it's that I expect to hurry things that just can not be rushed.  When I achieved my 1st degree Black Belt  I though I was a badass.  However, my Sensei told me that NOW I was a student just beginning my journey. I often try to rush the process.

I placed the woman swinging a pick-axe at balloons.  Overkill when a small pin would do the job?  Using the wrong tools for the job.  Bigger and more aggressive is not always better. Sometimes, it seems, that I make my life seem much more difficult than it is.  Am I working too hard at things that should be simpler?

However it could be something completely different.  On occasion a balloon can be deceptively difficult to pop.  Stronger than it looks.  Just like me!

Did your weekend include passion?

I promised myself I would paint, and I did! It's amazing how saying something out loud forces me to stick to it.

Friday: I chose to paint, instead of run - sometimes we need to forgo one passion for another. I chose the greater or two goods. (Unlike this upcoming election - where sometimes I feel as if I am forced to choose the lesser or two evils).

Saturday: I ran 5.5 miles AND I collaged. I took the paintings I had left drying in the garage, and I cut them up and began collaging. Not done yet. PLUS, took my daughter to get her hair done for the Homecoming Dance - she was happy. It's so pleasant in my house when the teenagers are in a good mood. Then I had dinner with good friends. I got to engage in four of my passions!

Sunday: Today is just beginning, but my plan is to continue collaging and paint on top of the collage. I also get to run with a friend and decorate the house for Halloween. (I was going to say, "I have to decorate my house for Halloween", then I decided that if I look at it as a "get to" instead of a "have to" than I am choosing and I win!)

Did your weekend include passion?