For the past eight years, my life has revolved around art journaling. Convincing others to art journal and continue art journaling, finding the best people to help others art journal, and at the heart of it: my own art journal practice.
Over these eight years, my practice has shapeshifted to fit into my life. Sometimes I’ve loved that, and sometimes it has been a struggle. But throughout these creative ups and downs, one thing has remained certain: creativity is inherently both magic and practical.
Right up until my 20s, I did not think of myself as creative. I am logical. I am pedantic.I like honesty and facts and control. I used to think these went against art. I used to think that I had to deny my very self if I ever wanted to make art. I learned (quickly, thank goodness) that art is the opposite of denying yourself. Art is your very essence without trying to change the messy bits. Art encourages you to lean into the mess.
We have been taught that flow, inspiration, motivation, and the like are fairies that come to us like magic. I call bulldust. These things ARE magical, but art makes magic real.
With art, we have control of these magical things.
Basically, show up for the magic, and the magic will find you. One thing that brings the Muse around is flow.
We’re dedicating an entire month to finding flow, creating flow, nurturing flow, and enjoying flow.
And we’re doing it practically.
Tamara is a mixed media artist living in the South of Germany. After the birth of her son she rediscoverd her passion for painting, sketching and collage-making. She converted the winter garden of her house into an art studio to follow her passion constantly. Inspired by nature and the endless possibilities of abstract mixed media art, she found joy in the process and a way to let go perfectionism.
Noor Unnahar is a best-selling poet & visual artist. Her work revolves around the themes of identity, womanhood and personal history. Currently in her BFA, she uses tactile collages, journaling, photography, and poetry as her mediums.
Zero expectations. Zero pressure. All the fun.