Last week I found out that as of August, I am able to hire the hall again at Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre with numbers limited to 4!
This means Soul Connection Art Journaling classes are back baby!
This put such a smile on my dial! I can't want to see you all in person.
This is no longer an online class, unless we go into lockdown again, or unless I get enough requests from people, then I will be happy to run classes online again.
I haven’t written an art journaling blog in ages, and I thought it was about time. Lots of you have probably seen me advertise classes but may not be sure what art journaling even is and how you can use it in your life.
Art journaling is a way to visually express your thoughts, emotions and memories.
Some people might think they can’t do the class or worry because they think they aren’t artistic. Well, that is a big load of poo you have been told! Some of you have been told this as kids and you are still carrying it. Anyone can do this, if you allow yourself.
This class is for everyone!
If you can hold a brush, you can do this class.
These are the best bits about art journaling:
Anything goes!
It is all about you. We don’t copy artworks. It is all about the process and what comes up for you. The group can be doing the same class with the same prompt and every single person comes up with something different.
My goal is for you to tap into your subconscious and create something from deep within, in your own style.
You can use whatever you have on hand at home, or if you come to class you can use my supplies.
It is a mixed media art, so you can use all sorts of things from envelopes, to wrapping paper, old bills, ribbon, wool, pencils, textas, paint, magazines, phonebooks, old books. Honestly, the options are endless and that is part of the fun!
There are no mistakes, you can always cover things up or add to them and turn it into something else. My motto is “There are no mistakes in art, only happy surprises”.
You can do it alone or in a group.
You can spend as little or as long as you want on a page. You can do it all in one go or keep coming back to it and add as much as you want.
My goals for you in this group are:
For you to listen to what you want and to learn to speak your truth.
To gain confidence to express yourself through art.
To learn to use different materials.
To get over any old beliefs telling you that you are not artistically creative.
To create something meaningful for you.
For you to feel safe to share whatever you want with the group.
To learn to use art journaling for self-care, to help you make decisions, to help you grow and get over any issues you are having.
To feel hear and lifted up
SO, WHAT DO WE DO IN CLASS?
Each month we have a different prompt to work from.
Previously we have had prompts such as “Boundary Setting”, “What If?” and “Playing With Colour”.
This month, our prompt is "Pocketful Of Kindness".
Most of the time we start with a guided relaxation specific to the prompt.
I talk you through the supplies we will be using, everything is supplied for you. If you have been given an art journal previously, then that is all you need to bring.
I explain the prompt and how to use it, what questions you might need to ask yourself, what things you may want to think about to help you start creating something.
Remember that art journaling is about the process, not necessarily then end result of having a beautiful artwork. At the end of the class, my students are proud of what they have created, because they have allowed themselves to let their creativity flow.
One student Nellie said: "This was my first ever art class, my first collage I loved every minute of the session and so proud of my work. Thanks Jade for a wonderful evening full of creative fun and adventure".
It is an opportunity to leave behind whatever is happening with families and bills and work and just be themselves. That is the environment I want to provide for you, a safe space for you to let go of everything everyone expects you to be and give you a space to be who you want to be. There are no expectations from me with regards to what you create, that is a personal thing, and not up to me. All I do is show you how to use the supplies and guide you.
Anyone else picking up your art journal will have no idea of the deeper meaning of your artwork. It is not like a written journal where people can read your thoughts. Art journaling is more a symbolic thing and only you know what you were thinking at the time.
You get to take your journal home with you so can use it to create anytime you like. You will have access to the private Facebook group to see photos from the night, see upcoming events and post any artworks you would like to share.
HOW HAS ART JOURNALING HELPED ME?
Art journaling for me, has helped in huge ways. It has helped me leave a very toxic relationship, it has helped me with the relationships I have with my parents and kids, it has helped me realise what I want out of life, it has helped me with my self-confidence.
Each time I journal, I don’t usually go into it with a clear idea of what I will be creating. One day I might feel like using watercolours and as I sit quietly and listen, something will come up for me. As I paint and add bits and pieces to my page, answers will come. I might use words that cement how I am feeling, or I might find a picture from a magazine that symbolises the answer that came up.
