In this age of global sharing, you can't help but want to share your creations; especially something so visually pleasing as an art journal. And, in fact, sharing is an important part of the creative process. We create, then release it into the world so to speak. Get feedback… learn… grow…
So as I fell in love with the world of art journaling, and delved head first into my own journal, it was only natural for me to start sharing each of my pages as I created them.
But the more that I shared, the more disconnected I was feeling from the process. It became a cycle, a job, something I wished to not participate in any longer. So I pulled back, creating less and less.
I wasn't interested in creating art in a book.
And as I realized this, I began to understand that I was treating it as I did all my other creations: as something to share with the world. When in fact, what I was craving was a sacred space... a place to call my own, to express myself fully without fear of judgment.
So I began again.
This time knowing that it was only for me. Knowing that this journal was a place that I could hold dear to my heart. Knowing that this was a safe space to be ME. Knowing that it was okay to make something not worth sharing, because it was what my Soul wanted to express.
Now, I almost hesitate to call it "art" journaling (and only continue to do so because it's what everyone recognizes). Because the truth is, this isn't ART. It's what I like to call Creative Soul Expression. And the more you treat it as such, the more your Soul will feel free to fully express itself.
So let’s make journaling personal again. Let’s grab our journals and hold them close to our hearts.
And just to be clear, I'm not saying you should never share your pages. I'm just saying we should shift our intentions to making it safe, to making it personal. Work on a page for yourself, and see what comes out of you. Then, and only then, share as you see fit. Some you’ll be able to share, some not.
Intention is everything.
P.S. If you struggle with keeping your journal sacred, or simply love to share your pages but want a way to freely express yourself without sharing your thoughts with the world, join me in my mini self-guided class Safe Haven Art Journaling where we'll explore how to set boundaries, build sacred space, and play with hidden journaling techniques – so that we can begin to see our journals as a safe haven to fully express ourselves.
This article is part of my FREE e-course Art Journaling 101 - which has been designed to gently introduce beginners to the basics of art journaling so you can find your way with more ease and less fear. If you're curious about art journaling or overwhelmed with how to begin, sign up for the full free course HERE.
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I completely agree. Most of the time, my pages are so private, so personal that it is like exposing my soul to post on social media.
true story! I have had problems with my art journaling every since I started sharing everything I do. I have had problems posting too because I felt I was sharing too much. I am clearing out one of my blogs and I hope to keep it more personal in the future!
That’s good advice. Thank you for that
I share some pages but not all. My prayer art journal is where I pour out my heart in writing, then I create my art (sometimes before I write) on a piece of mixed media paper a glue over the top. Sometimes there is no writing, just the art. That way when I am dead and gone no one will be able to read my thoughts and prayers. Totally freeing.
I share mine with my therapist only. In fact she’s holding 2 completed journals for me so I know they are safe but they are there if I want to see them.
I share the pages that are just pretty or interesting, but the private ones, I keep just for myself. I can definitely see how creating only to share would really stifle your creativity and ability to use art for your soul. I’m going to try to be very careful not to do that.