Art Journaling with a Purpose

I read today where someone was asking for advice dealing with creative blocks.  We all go through them and one way I've managed to work through those times is to view it in a positive by rethinking as "Recharge Periods."  Not so negative which can make us feel worse when those times hit.  Sometimes we just need a break and that's OK.

However, sometimes we develop negative thoughts in general and one of the biggest culprits in my hitting slumps or blocks has happened when this negative voice inside my head starts asking "why do I bother sketching and painting or what purpose does this have when all I do is work in sketchbooks or Ipad tucked away out of sight"?   Many teach, sell their work, or write books on what they do.  Their artwork has a purpose.  I'm not into any of these things except maybe sharing steps that might help another viewer from time to time.

My work has always been therapeutic and that was enough for the longest time.  Then over the last two years I found myself questioning this reason as being enough.  I struggled for months with that which only dampened my desire to do anything.  That's when I started working out creative ways to bring my work OUTSIDE the closed journals lining my bookshelf or hidden inside the Ipad as gifts and unique ways of displaying for myself and family here at home.

So when that negative voice tries to bring that question up again, it's time to squash it by stepping away from sketching and painting and doing something creative with what's already been done.

One of my favorite ways is by creating ATC size prints I can exchange with people or place in 2.5 x 3.5 magnetic photo sleeves for personal use and gifts to family members.

Last night and today I spent my time working on new ATCs to print since the last batch printed early 2020.  I place these throughout the house using file cabinets and refrigerator/freezers as art displays.  It adds a little something special to otherwise plain looking appliances and office furniture. 

Trial and Error with Resin - #2

This miniature inkjet print was "glued" to a piece of glass using resin as my "glue".

My initial plan was to add this to a bezel tray that the glass came with but decided instead to add a self-adhesive magnet (sheet) to the back.

As seen in the photo, there are gray spots either from bubbles I didn't catch or due to the fact I didn't seal the print first.  I won't know the answer to that until I repeat with a sealed print.  I think I already know the answer but need to verify that to be sure by trying again.

Results and what I think I should do with the next attempt:

Working With Previous Sketches and Paintings

One of the things I deal with from time to time is asking myself why I bother doing what I do.  I don't sell, show (well outside of sharing on the internet), or compete, but instead, do this for myself with the main reason being therapeutic in nature.  Sometimes, that reason is just not enough to keep me inspired or motivated.

There ARE times I will take something I've done and have it printed off to hang but I'm not real big on hanging pictures on the wall.  Or, I might upload to Shutterfly for coffee cups, key chains, or standing tiles for family gifts.  Other than that, my artwork resides inside journals sitting on a shelf.....seldom ever taken down to look at.

A dear friend shared what she does with some of her work.........creating gift and note cards.  She also makes photo charms (mini paintings in bezel trays and lacquered over) using hooks along with embellishments like beads, buttons, etc.  She finds ways to enjoy and share her work or display outside her journals.

Because I've been in such a funk with sketching or painting, I have struggled setting goals for 2020.  So in the meantime, I thought I could try and do something with what I've already created.  Maybe that might help inspire me into what I might want to do this year.

Inspired by my friend, I have decided to create note cards and magnets using previous illustrations I have sketched/painted in my journals (or Ipad).  Next I want to try my hand at taking printed miniatures and covering in resin (in or out of bezel trays).  Maybe then I can get past this "why bother" mode I'm stuck in and move forward :-)

This is just a very small sampling of the note cards I have created so far.  They are the size of RSVP or invitation cards.  I can use these for personal use and/or give as gifts.  The paper I am using is Hammermill Color Copy Cover 80lb weight paper.  I can fit two note cards per sheet of paper.  Envelopes and sleeves I found through ClearBags.com.

The magnets are being used to decorate file cabinets and personal size refrigerator/freezers we have.  They are ATC size (2.5 x 3.5") placed in magnetic photo sleeves.  Paper I'm using (for now) is Arches Infinity Museum Quality Digital Art & Photo Inkjet paper.  Unfortunately, it's no longer available, which is a major disappointment as I loved the texture of the paper and what I have always used for art prints.  My understanding is that Canson now sells similar paper but it's just not the same according to forums I've read where other people are in search for an alternative to their beloved Arches Infinity.  Thank goodness I have a couple/few boxes of this paper left.  As for the magnetic photo sleeves...........I used to get packages from Walmart but found others on Amazon I think are a little better quality.