An Art Journal Q&A by Dawn DeVries Sokol
Ingrid Murray, an art journaler on the East Coast, answers Dawn’s questions this month.
This month’s Journal Fresh artist’s pages have been published in the current issue of Stampington’s Art Journaling Magazine. I love her never-ending sense of self-discovery on her blog, as she ponders questions of creativity and the artistic life. Her journal pages are light, airy, and refreshing through her color palette, use of paint splatters, and light handwriting. I bring you, Ingrid Murray…
Why art journaling?
Oh, what a big question! Art journaling is wondrously freeing: there are no rules or expectations of what it should or must be. Though one’s art is confined to the edges of the page, the limitless possibilities allow expansive self-exploration and artistic expression, leading to healing, courage and centeredness.
What inspired you to start art journaling?
Several years ago I came across the book Altered Books Workshop by Bev Brazelton. I was fascinated with the idea of creating in a book, and, soon after, discovered Hanna Anderson’s beautiful blog. From there my world opened up, I discovered countless blogs and books, and delved into an incredible world of art, healing, and play.
What art journalers are your faves? Other artists you look to for inspiration?
I still am incredibly inspired by Hanna Anderson, or iHanna. I also adore Elkemay, Samie Kira, Erin Kenepp, and Diana Trout. I have also found amazing art journaler friends in Natty Malik, Tammy Garcia, Nolwenn, and Rhiannon Stone. And Connie Hozvicka is one of the most lovely women I have ever come to know.
What important bit of advice can you give to those wanting to start art journaling?
Be gentle with yourself and release your expectations. Art journaling is a process of unlearning all those messages of what an artist is or should be, and this takes time and patience. You will make pages you hate, but keep creating! Don’t be afraid to experiment, play, and enjoy the process as it happens, and give yourself permission to screw up and start again. You are an artist, and you have a voice that needs to be heard: set it free!
Tell us a little about your process. What mediums do you like to use?
I love experimenting with layers of color and texture. To do this, I use acrylic and watercolor paints, gesso, stickers, collage papers (scrap paper, tissue paper, newspaper, candy wrappers, handwritten notes, etc.), oil pastel, crayon, ballpoint pens, and graphite pencil. If I am feeling especially adventurous, I will try unusual things such as creating dots with a hot glue gun, dripping candle wax, or rubbing scented essential oils on the page.
Do you also have other ways you like to create, and if so, what are they?
Yes! I crochet and knit, write, take photographs, and bind books. I also play piano and sing.
Dawn DeVries Sokol is the author of 1,000 Artist Journal Pages, Doodle Diary and Doodle Sketchbook. Click here for Dawn’s blog—an endless source of inspiration.
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