One of the unintended consequences of keeping this blog (six years old this month!) is that I stopped keeping a regular journal. For various reasons, I've started up again and am including imagery of a personal kind in it. I'm not making illustrations of my daily life, such as you find in my brilliant friend Kate Johnson's work---and in the journals of most of my fellow contributors who will appear in her upcoming book, Artist's Journal Workshop. I'm making images that spontaneously occur to me while writing, or I'm jotting down thumbnail compositions or making color notes. And, unlike in years past and with my sketchbooks, I'm putting everything, art and life, in one place.
Oh, how lifesaving this writing and drawing is. I can pull myself back from the cliffs of panic and depression, I can get clearheaded and centered. I can keep track of ideas that flash like comets through my brain and fix them on paper. For the past few years, those meteoric thoughts too often evaporated as if they had never been.
And I can share with you some of these words and images from my journal, when, as now, my other work is in process, or is interrupted by business and family concerns.
Yes, I know we all know this about journal keeping, that it is a lifeline for its creators. There's nothing new here. But sometimes I forget basic things--- and stumble upon them again with the enthusiasm of a learning-to-waddle one year old.
The only downside of this particular journal is its relatively large size for such a thing--- 9" x 11". There's no slipping this book in a small bag or unobtrusively sketching in it in public. Still, it's what I need right now. I hope you will find these occasional glimpses interesting.
Well I just stumbled upon your site. I have to say I haven't ever really dabbled in art journals at all but I may just have to pick it up. Have you ever thought about a moleskine for your journal they come in all sizes and types. None the less; I really like your work. The linework feels very lively. The colors are very bold as well. Hope to see more soon.
Posted by: benjamin j | September 08, 2011 at 06:57 AM
Beautiful, Laura. The whole, as you gave us here is touching and beautiful.
Posted by: zephyr | February 26, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Wonderful as ever, and I can't get get enough of your amaryllises! (Amarylli?)
I too have found that loss in some way is liberating, despite the grief and regret I am more determined to seize the day, and to be done with self-pity. Would that I could do anything as good with the resolve as you do though.
Posted by: Lucy | February 08, 2011 at 11:38 AM
I'm always enjoying how you follow the seasons and each year make yourself over.
Posted by: marly youmans | February 08, 2011 at 01:50 AM
I am always interested in the role of journals in integrating life and art. I have never really satisfactorily found a single format to integrate it all; my journals/sketchbooks shapeshift constantly, and starting my Life and Art blog has diverted musings and reviews away from my familiar little books. One day like to think I will find a universal solution. In the meantime, thank you for sharing yours.
Posted by: gillian Holding | February 07, 2011 at 05:40 AM
These is just great. That's what I call art, i like your style a lot!
Posted by: Frank Zweegers | February 06, 2011 at 11:31 AM