Well, so far I’ve purchased three books on Art Journals, though can’t say any of them are THE definitive book I’m looking for. Nevertheless, they’re definitely worth a look.
First, 1000 Journal Pages by Dawn DeVries Sokol, a well-known artist. This book is exactly what it says it is, I suppose: just images of art journal pages, but there is no discussion of the page at all. The artist and country are listed, but nothing about the meaning behind the page, how the artist created it, or when. She does have a nice couple of pages of journal prompts that could be useful, and fits nicely with the idea that the book is simply to inspire not to inform or instruct. With 320 pages, however, the book could use some organization (chapters? themes? etc.) and just a bit more explanation. That, too, could be inspiring.
Second, Visual Chronicles: The No-Fear Guide to Creating Art Journals, Creative Manifestos, and Altered Books is organized into chapters addressing one’s fears about doing an art journal. For example, “I can’t write”, “I’m just not artistic”, or “Nothing Happens in my Life” are a few of the chapters. The 128 pages of examples are fairly simple and there are some good step-by-step instructions sprinkled here and there. I didn’t find the examples especially inspiring, but it’s well worth the read and covers a wide range of topics. One section addresses '’Journaling Together’, which leads me to the next book.
True Colors: a Pallette of Collaborative Art Journals, a Stampington publication, has 288 pages of examples from about 14 very big names. The book grew out of a project begun by Lynn Perrella, when she invited some other established art journal/mixed media artists to a collaborative project, much like a circle journal. Each artist was to choose a color, or in some cases two colors, for her journal. The others would complete their entry following on that color theme, but interpret it as they wished. This book offers lots of explanation as to theme, a little information on they did it, and lots and lots of inspiration. As might be expected of Stampington and these artists, the examples are all stunning and definitely something to aspire to.
I found the idea of a collaborative art journal very exciting. If I weren’t already in two circle journals, I’d probably start one…. in fact, I probably will as soon as my current circle journals are finished. That will give me a little more time to play with making a few before I jump in.
Anyone want to join me?
7 comments:
That's a fair few journal pages to look through :) nice to use if your painting Mojo goes on holiday :)
That last one is already on my Amazon wishlist after Debbie (ranbow poppy) raved about it a while back. Another great review! I really must apply the subliminal thumb screws to OH this christmas :D
i would join you in an art journal. :) just finishing the cj's i am in at the mo
All looks very interesting - art journals have fascinated me for a long time. Not ready to jump in yet, but definately something I can see me having a go at in the future. Can't wait to see your first pages!
Interesting reviews Jane. I have Visual Chronicles which I bought a while ago and found it useful at the time :) I would join you in an art journal!
Wow they look so cool! I've only seen a couple before, but they look like a lot of fun!
Hi, Jane! Just wanted to say thanks for mentioning 1000 Artist Journal Pages...There is a reason we didn't try to organize the pages. We thought about categories, which seemed the most logical way, but there were many pages that fit into more than one category. As I said in the intro, we wanted it to be one long road of inspiration. Hope you enjoy!
Post a Comment