Journal Writing Had Limits

I developed my intuitive art journal practice after years of working in written journals and traditional art journals. For many years, I faithfully recorded my thoughts in a notebook every morning. It was full of entries that explored the same issues and concerns, day after day after day. I became frustrated. I already know what weighed on my mind and made me feel like I was spinning my wheels in mud; I wanted guidance.

Interestingly, I knew the answers were within me, I just couldn’t access them this way. I came to the conclusion that the process of writing sentences kept me in my left brain, the linear and analytical half. This hemisphere is very helpful for planning a budget and making decisions but not so helpful when I want to get in touch with the source of my own wisdom, my intuition.

An Art Journal Was the Next Step

I turned to my art for answers. Art journaling gave my right brain freedom to fly into areas my left brain wouldn’t dare to go. The right hemisphere of the brain is in charge of creativity and artistic expression. It wants to play, explore, and be adventurous. I splashed colors on dry surfaces and watching as colors flowed into one another on wet surfaces. Then, I grabbed spray inks, stencils, stamps, water-soluble crayons, and bits of paper to layer and create different effects. It was fun and relaxing. I explored colors, compositions, and subject matter that made their way into artwork I exhibited and sold.

Like a written journal, an art journal has a purpose and I value it when my intention is to experiment and discover. But there was still an aspect of myself that hungered for something more. I longed to integrate my artistic side and my logical side in a way that honored my uniqueness and opened me to deeper inner knowing.

Intuitive Art Journal Practice

My intuitive art journal practice is one way I awaken my authentic self and access the wisdom I already possess. By weaving together ritual, meditation, guided visualization, and artistic expression with what I learned from spiritual guides, artists, and writers along the way, I am able to tap into information that has always been available to me. I just had to learn how to access it. Intuitive art journaling is a sacred process that allows me to hear the quiet voice within. The piece above, Accept and Love, is one example of the messages I receive when I’m open and willing to surrender to my higher Self. In other words, I allow the process to inform me. I become my own guide.

Do you have a practice that allows you to awaken your authentic self and receive wisdom?

Are you interested in learning more about intuitive art journaling?

This week, I’m sharing how “saying yes” in my creative process awakens possibilities beyond the realm of intellectual decision-making. Last week’s blog post “Saying Yes Leads to the Next Yes” explored how opening to possibilities in life as they speak to me on a soul level, can create space for profoundly wonderful things to happen. The same is true with my artistic process. Sometimes, I start with an idea or sketch which makes its way to the canvas or paper. Other times, I like to sit in the stillness and wait. Rather than put my idea on the surface, I want to see what will reveal itself to me. Being receptive rather than being “in charge”. Allowing rather than controlling.

Awakening to creative possibilities means saying yes as images appear. — The sketch for “Awakening” came when I allowed music to guide my process.

INSPIRATION THAT AWAKENED MY CREATIVITY

Several weeks ago, I decided to do something I had never done before. This isn’t news. I love trying new things! Sounds of Spirit was performing nearby and I had the opportunity to attend. I had never heard of them before but their website intrigued me so off I went with a sleeping bag, my journal, and a water bottle. It was a spiritually moving and creatively inspiring experience. The group uses a rich variety of instruments, nature sounds, and human voices to transport the listeners to a different place. The outward experience of being in the space with them led to an inward journey for many of us in attendance. I was so deeply moved that I bought their CD and listened to it over and over as I worked in my art studio.

Colorful washes both hide and reveal. — During the creative process, I have to allow each bold choice to guide me to the next choice.

ALLOW MYSELF TO BE A CHANNEL

On the day I created the sketch above, I turned up the volume on my CD player and let the music wash over me and through me. I kept my eyes closed until imagery started to appear. Then, I opened my eyes and simply transferred those images to the paper. I felt like I was a channel not a creator at that point. I said “Yes” to one image, which informed the next, which informed the next. I allowed the process to happen freely without interference from my analytical mind or pesky inner critic.

I started with the 3 large repeated shapes in the background. Then, the larger seated figure wanted to appear. Then, little images around her began to tell their own story. These figures informed the border and smaller symbols around the edges. Each “yes” lead to the next “yes”. The same thing happened when I chose my first color to wash over the larger areas. Each choice naturally flowed into the next.

BEING BOLD MEANS BEING VULNERABLE

Who said being bold meant being confident or certain? Not me! Having the courage to be bold is also having the courage to be vulnerable and exposed. Being bold doesn’t mean I’m always going to get it right in art or in life. It means I have the courage to try. There is a measure of risk in creating art that is a genuine reflection of who I am and where I am on my journey. There is even greater boldness and vulnerability in allowing others to see it. For I’m aware that those who truly look at my art with open minds and hearts will have the ability to catch a brief glimpse inside the soul of the artist.

The finished piece by Susan Korsnick is an example of what happens when one is open to creative possibilities. — The finished mixed media piece titled Awakening is the result of saying yes to creative possibilities.

AWAKENING

After many hours in the studio and many layers of pencil, gouache, and ink, AWAKENING was complete. I was awakened to the possibilities created by saying one “yes” after another. I hope this piece awakens something in you, too.