Journal Pages from "Initiation"- a class by Juliana Coles

 click to enlarge images

Here is a two page spread done for an assignment for Juliana Coles' online class called Initiation.  Juliana is really good at pushing her students to dig deeper.  Have I mentioned that already on this blog?  I probably have, but I am so impressed with what she does for her students.  The thing that I see changing in my journal artwork is that I am much less afraid to cover up something that I've already created.  I can now see that those extra layers just make the pages all the more interesting.  It is okay if you can't read every word that you wrote.  It is ok if you can't see under your first layer of paint.  It is ok to write over your writing, or paint over your writing, and then draw on top of that!  You get the idea.  If you are interested in finding out what Juliana is teaching next, you can go to her Ning site called Institute for  Extreme Visual Journalism.  Her next class is called Altered States, and it starts at the beginning of April.

Creativity Quote

"Creativity is inspiration coupled with initiative.  It is an act of faith and, in that phrase, the word 'act' looms as large as the 'faith' that it requires."
-Julia Cameron from Walking in This World (p. 17); 2003 paperback edition

Bic Mark-It Markers and Cave Paper Journal

 I did a color test of some Bic Mark-It permanent markers today.  The colors are great, they write/color smooth, they have a rubber grip, and they are affordable.  Also, these markers don't smell as strong as some other permanent markers do.  

 I did this color test in one of my Cave Paper journals.  

Below is a picture of the journal closed.  You can see the nice hand stitching on the edges.

The Bic Mark-It set of 24 colors, my journal, and a Sharpie Pen with a medium point.  (These new pens come in "fine" and now "medium".  They don't bleed through the paper like other Sharpies.  If you click on the above link, you'll see a cool slide show about the pens.)

 Here is an inside set of pages showing the flap folded in.

Here, the flap is unfolded, so that you can see the three, nearly equal sized pages to work on.

Have you tried any new markers lately?  Which ones are your favorite, and why?  I'd love to hear your opinion on markers in the comments below.

Open Book and CavePaper

Last night I was at Open Book for my monthly Visual Journal Collective meeting with Roz Stendahl and friends.  Before the meeting started, I was looking in the main part of the first floor at the new art displays.  There was a display about CavePaper, which I love.  I've been using handmade journals by that company for years.  They are sold at the MCBA Shop.  I love these journals because they are really sturdy.  The paper can take a lot of paint and glue.  There also is a large, tall size that must by 7.5 x12 inches or so, that really appeals to me.  I've always wondered why the company was called CavePaper, and now I know.  They work in a basement of a warehouse building that is really cave like.  For now, please enjoy the images from Open Book.  Soon I will post all about the Journal Zine Swap that took place last night at our Visual Journal Collective meeting.

 This is the staircase that leads up to the Loft Literary Center, as well as writing studios, classrooms, Milkweed Editions library, and a patio overlooking the city.

 (Click to enlarge photos)

Journal Pages

I am currently taking Juliana Coles' "Initiation" workshop online through her Ning site, which is called Extreme Visual Journalism.  She is really good at pushing her students to really dig deep within and uncover what lies underneath the walls of defense.
One exercise that I worked on this weekend was called "Who Am I?".  It is a two page spread in my journal for the class.  I am using a book by Margaret Mead called People and Places.  Essentially, I am altering an existing book to use as my journal.  (Click each image to enlarge.)

 Stage 1

 Stage 2

 Stage 3

Stage 4

Circa Gallery-Barbara Gilhooly's Art Opening

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I am a huge, huge fan of Barbara Gilhooly and her amazing art.  Barbara recently moved from the Twin Cities to Fort Collins, Colorado.  However, she still has a strong presence here in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.  Her work can be found at Gallery 360.  Also, last night I attended her art opening at Circa Gallery in Minneapolis.  Barbara was there for the opening.  Although I was too shy to talk to her, I was really happy to be in her presence and see all of her amazing paintings.  I took some photos to share with you.  If you are a Minneapolis local, I highly recommend visiting the gallery to see her work in person.  As I walked around the gallery, I was struck by continuously finding something new in a painting I'd already studied.  Barbara's paintings are layers deep, which is part of their appeal.  She also has a background in printmaking, which she incorporates magnificently into her paintings. If you can't get enough Gilhooly, like me, her flickr site is also very inspiring!

Simply Flourish

Simply Flourish

My good friend Sarah Hedge has embarked on a wonderful journey. She has become a holistic wellness coach!  I am so excited for her, and I wanted to share her information with you.  She is located in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, and is offering some terrific upcoming *free* events.  You can find all of the details on her website here. Just look at the top of the website and click on "Events".  

Congratulations, Sarah!    

Heart Center

My Sweety is coming home today after being away for a little over a week.  I was thinking about him when I went to fix myself a bagel for breakfast.  I was delighted to find a little surprise inside my bagel.  I swear the Universe knows how to show me that it does indeed hear me.

Happy Weekend

I hope you have a happy, sunny weekend, even if it isn't sunny where you live right now.  

Treat yourself to something special, whether it's a little walk, an ice cream cone, an art supply, a new book . . . you get the idea. 

If you wish to share, I'd love to hear your ideas of how you'll treat yourself to a little something special this weekend.  Leave a comment to this post, and I'll be checking back later to read your ideas!