30 Journals 30 Days: AN’ANGELIA THOMPSON

Published on July 15, 2010

How long have you been Art Journaling?

I have been art journaling since the late 90s, but before 2004, I wasn’t calling it art journaling. I started using day planners to jot down dreams, appointments, and other art related ideas as well as thumb nail sketches and ideas for paintings. I had very nice, lined journals that had been given to me as gifts by my sweet hubby and other friends, but I could never seem to get much past February or March. At the time, I was showing in galleries and after 4-5 years, I tired of it. I had fallen into the trap of painting what I thought would sell instead of being true to myself. I was depressed and unhappy and I dropped out of the local art scene to clear my head.

During that time, I also had to deal with breast cancer. That began in June of 1998 and lasted a year between the surgeries, chemo and radiation. As a result of treatment, I found myself in the middle of insomnia and began spending lots of time on the internet. Aside from a cancer support chat room, I stumbled upon a plethora of Yahoo art groups where I was soon knee deep into ATCs (Artist Trading Cards), altered books, round robins, swaps, etc. I was having the time of my life! I even joined a magazine swap with my one and only edition of “Ang-i-tude”. (I now have a blog of that same title). I also joined a group called “Composition Notebooks”. That’s when my love affair with real art journaling began.

How has Art Journaling impacted, changed, or enhanced your life?

I could really write a book on the impact of art journaling for not only myself but for the impact that I’ve seen it have on others. There’s great satisfaction in completing a painting and having someone come up to me to share how my message has reached them; however, there’s NOTHING like the feeling I get when I’m able to guide someone into experessing their own feelings and experiences through the use of art techniques.

My greatest joy in art journaling is in showing others that they DO have a voice and that they CAN express it in a creative manner. I’m particularly drawn to helping women through this method of journaling. There’s just so much pain and sadness and struggle now. People need a creative outlet and they need to hear their own voices. They need to detach from the plethora of media and advertising telling them who, what and where they should be. People need to heal.

I’ve been fortunate to be able to share art journaling at the college level through the Women’s Center at our local college and I’ve also shared my method of art journaling with friends and family. We’ve shared tears, laughter and joy with each other. My mother, who died in March 2008, was also able to use art journaling as an outlet to cope with her illness and traumatic hospital stays. At the time, we had no idea she was slowly dying from pancreatic cancer. Her art journal is a possession that is priceless to me. It was the only way I knew to help her and it was something she continued until the very last days before her death. I am currently working with the help of my friends at the Women’s Center to offer art journaling workshops.

What are a few of your favorite Art Jouranling materials to use?

My journaling supply list is simple. Composition notebooks (they’re really quite sturdy) glue sticks, magazine clippings (photos and phrases), watercolor & colored pencils, watercolors and acrylics. I sometimes use commercial papers but not often. I also use markers, black fine point Sharpies and white gel pens. My new absolute favorite is Reeves Water Soluble Pastels. LOVE, love, love them!

Who are some of your favorite Art Journalers?

I have to be honest – I’ve spent so much time perfecting my own method that I haven’t really researched many journalists online. I’ve networked with quite a few but I haven’t actually seen a lot of their work. I do have some favorite books and you can find those posted on my journaling blog. Most of the journalers I’ve seen is on the NING group Art Journaling. That’s how I met this awesome journaler named Connie! I also have a list of art blogs and Blog Hops on my journaling blog. I started a YouTube Channel and stumbled upon some Teesha Moore videos. LOVED them! She makes an “Amazing 16 Page Journal” that I just made. I’ll be making more! (HA! No pun intended).

What kind words of encouragement would you say to an Art Journal newbie?

Above all else, LISTEN TO YOUR HEART! There are NO judgements. There are NO rights and wrongs. Express yourself, and follow my art journaling blog where you’ll get lots of encouragement and craziness!

Where can we contact you…give us some link LOVE!

www.angeliasart.com My website

http://angeliasartjournals.blogspot.com/ My journaling blog

http://www.facebook.com/angelia.thompson1 My facebook profile

http://twitter.com/AngeliasArt My twitter profile

http://www.youtube.com/user/angeliasart My YouTube Channel

angelia@angeliasart.com My Email

Videos starring Angelia :

Short Bio:

An’Angelia Thompson is a Cleveland area artist whose works are held in both private and public collections throughout Ohio and Michigan. She lives with her husband, Keith, and has two sons, Nick & Mike. This artist’s works vary from impressionistic landscapes to bold political commentary and bright, representational paintings. When viewing An’Angelia’s work, her love of color is evident. Her paintings seem to vibrate right off the canvas and immediately command attention. An’Angelia’s latest projects include displays at The Women’s Center in Lakeland Community College and the cafeteria at Cleveland Job Corps Center. Her work is also included in “Anthology of Friends”, Volumes 1 and 2, and the Summer 2009 edition of “O&S Magazine”.