I love the practice of turning my thoughts around. I turned them upside down and inside out really looking for my truth in them. It is my process of questioning myself. I do this in meditation, but more often than not, I explore this through my art journals. Writing, sketching, and collaging my way to new insights through this process.
Working with imagery uses a different part of my brain, guiding me to use my intuitive knowledge, which coupled with words, makes a big impact on my psyche. I don’t propose to be a great philosopher or great thinker, but I know the mechanics of how my brain works, so that where I get my results, through this process of linking imagery and words. Â So this is where my mind process led me this week.
How do you reflect? Do you process your thoughts by writing, meditation or do you process them or just let them run amok? I’d love to hear about it!
I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned in an exciting workshop I took next. So I leave you with some of the imagery that came together for me in my art journal.
From my wildly passionate creative soul to yours in peace.
tami said
I think of art journaling as a form of dreaming while awake. Like you my intuition guides me (when I let it!)
Love your thought process and your sharing!
Indigene said
You’re right Tami! I think it’s often our intuitive thought processes take over and allow the imagery to guide us. At least, that’s my take on it most days. Thanks for stopping by!
Catherine Meyers said
This is a great topic Indigene,.
Intuition is so important to my process. I am not so much a planner because of it. I like to do preliminary sketches and then between those and my final work, it comes together, through the intuitive process.. The outcome is quite different than the original sketch, but similar and I think better.
Journaling embodies my art practice and process, because this for me is my direct connection to the intuitive source, which enables me to be creative..
Indigene said
Thanks for stopping by Catherine. I do as you do, too! But there are times when I do plan, but it’s because my intuitive spirit has told me or led me to believe that is what I need. Or sometimes, it can just be a list.
claudia moody jones said
This being Thanksgiving week, I am thankful for the obvious, family, friends, home, health etc. but when I look deeper I have to say how thankful I am to have ART in my life. It affords me so much comfort and peace of mind as it allows me to really look at myself and the many hats I wear as mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and artist. As you stated, the combining of imagery and writing is such an impactful tool we as artist have at our disposal. Self discovery through art journaling is a wonderful thing. Love my art journals! They're like best friends. You can tell them anything!
Indigene said
Claudia, I know exactly what you mean. This time of the year, always cause deep reflection for me and often it is imagery that comes to me, and then I can find the words; or they can come all jumbled at once. My art journals are what help me do the processing. Thanks so much for commenting. 🙂
kimpdx said
I do most of my reflection by writing–lots of longhand, free writing, letting all the thoughts spill out. But I have found, as you mention, that a different part of my brain activates when I do visual journaling, so these days I try to make sure I'm getting in some time to do that sort of thing. The best intuition activator seems to be when I start working with layers of paint and ink and colors, but even a single, quick swipe of paint on a page and gluing or taping in some magazine clippings seems to stir my thoughts and move me in new directions.
Indigene said
Thanks for commenting Kim! I’ve found that going with the flow with with journaling works for me. It pulls on all my artistic whims. 🙂
jennifer barrile said
Thanks for your post! Sometimes I can be a little scattered, but what helps me is the practice of daily writing, 3 pages of long hand writing which I let whatever Im feeling come out on the page. Ive been finding comfort in writing poems and or stories. When I can I use guided meditation. Drawing and doodling has always been a comfort and I find If I do not practice any of the things mentioned I am a little lost/scattered in thought and not feeling grounded.
Indigene said
Thanks for commenting Jen! I love reading poetry and have written poetry on occasion, but I’m not at a stage where I want to share it. 🙂 I do know that exploring all my creative whims keep me balanced. 🙂
Elouise said
Timely! I just wrote my way from despair to strength. This time on the computer. Sometimes I write in my spiral notebooks. I don't know what it is, but letting my hand lead–without a lot of thought–takes me where I need to go. Sometimes just to clarity about questions. More often, though, to where the passion is right now that needs to be unlocked into WORDS! My dear friends. Words. Like you, I also enjoy turning things around or inside out. Questioning logic and assumptions. Most of the time, I just let the words spill out–no stopping for deep thoughts or rereading. Until the next day.
Indigene said
Thank you so much for stopping by Elouise! I know your writing comes from a deep love of writing and constant reflecting; you’re a great role model, when it comes to this!