This past week I have started yet another journal, through the Extreme Journal Process. This was developed by the artist Julianna Coles. At HeartsART there are three radio segments to listen to on this very process which are excellent. Another place to read, with instructions about this type of art is the book, Kaleidscope -by Suzanne Simanatis. I cannot give this book enough praise and encourage other artists to make it a part of your library on the creative process.

After finishing five pages I wrote about the experience.

*** Today, I worked on the Extreme Journal Process. I felt during the process a bit nervous as if I were doing something wrong - I was not and had to remind myself several times. I set up properly and reread the directions and tried to follow them as closely as possible. I stepped out with nothing in mind, no plan or theme. I incorporated my own photos from an instant camera which is something I don’t usually do in my journals. I had used the photos in a conceptual art project a few years back. I completed five pages in a few hours.

The use of the charcoal pencil was incredible - I held it as a child and pressed down hard , actually with anger. I remember thinking the colors pink and turquoise should have been the colors of my childhood. I quickly left that corner of the collage with intense feelings of discomfort.

For the next group of pages I have to find other various shapes for the three edges. I am tired of the circle and the square. I am wondering if I have another bird rubber stamp? This also reminds me to possibly consider carving some of my own from the collection of wine corks I have stashed - I really must admit I don’t know how to carve.

I am going to place my images in three small boxes to grab at random for this type of journal. It will make it all the more accessible.

I felt full of energy with a new perspective after completing the pages. Depression has lifted. I cleaned up the art space, put away supplies and washed up. I went on to create two more collages and sort my notebook. I left my art space only for a bit of food and water the entire afternoon. It was an excellent day.***