In 2009, I discovered art journaling and it has been life-changing. heART journaling, for me, is a creative outlet for self care and one that I have been practicing for 10+ years. Let me share a little bit about what it means to me..
It begins with the story of a late bloomer and my mantra, IT’S NEVER TOO LATE ..because it was 20 years ago that I rediscovered my creativity and that was after a 25 year lapse! The years of my youth were spent with a Sail, but no Rudder… and certainly no Anchor. My focus was outward. Creativity has grounded me.
As for my re-discovery, it began with rubberstamping, card making, scrapbooking and memory books. Next, I came across mixed media collage that allowed me to add paint, collage and glue to my toolbox. I incorporated female images, mostly vintage and was beginning to sketch faces. This is when my art began to feel more personal and relatable yet still very two dimensional as I was working on separate pieces of card stock and cardboard.
This is where it gets exciting! When I came across art journaling I could finally put down words and everything had a home, in one book THIS FELT SACRED. And the more open and honest I’ve been on these pages the more it has felt like a coming home to myself. And I can look back and remind myself how far I’ve come.
Teaching!
I began to teach locally in 2018, a life-long dream come true. I taught two 4-week sessions in the Fall, titled “Grief Through Art Journaling” sponsored by New Milford VNA, where I volunteer. And in Feb 2019 held a day-long retreat with owner, Rebecca Doring, at Quiet Spruce Wellness Center on Bank Street. She taught a morning and an afternoon meditation and each was followed by an art lesson in our journals.
The next series of workshops will be held locally, with both day and evening sessions available, starting in Jan 2020. There will also be a private Facebook group for participants. For more info and to be added to the mailing list, please contact Vicki Cook: cookievf@yahoo.com
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