30 Journals 30 Days: KIM MAILHOT

Published on July 22, 2010

How long have you been Art Journaling?

I have been art journaling consistently since 2007, though I have kept a visual journal of some kind off and on since my teens. It feels funny to think that something that is such an important part of my life has only really been around for three years!

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

I think in many ways, my Art journaling practice actually saved my life ! It is definitely one of my best and favorite tools in my Living Well toolbox. I consider the time I spend creating within its pages as meditation, a time when my mind and anxiety are quiet, and my Artist Spirit and my imagination take over. The creative process of playing with images, textures, colors, materials, symbols and ideas takes me to a place where I am just ME ! And I have learned to really, really love that Artist in me, for all her strength, wisdom, courage and talent.

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

I am completely in love with India Ink and I love using the old dip pen I inherited from my Dad to do detailed pen work on most of my pages. The black is just so dark and rich ! I also love vibrant color so Golden Fluid acrylics, Portfolio Water Soluble Oil Pastels and Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils really work for me as the colors they provide have that intensity that I love.

Who are some of your favorite Art Journalers?

Judy Wise – One of my favorite and best teachers ever, not to mention and extraordinary person to know!

Paula Bogdan – my Blogland friend who pours her heart and spirit into her pages

Ingrid Dijkers – I hope one day to get to take a class with her. She has such imagination and amazing and different techniques in her pages.

Julie Prichard – one of the first on-line art journalers I connected with, Julie uses amazing backgrounds and a few well-chosen words that create impactful pages

Sarah Whitmire – who is so generous with her time and her inspiration. She even offers a journal prompt a day on Twitter!

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

Play, play, play ! Don’t take it too seriously and for goodness sake, don’t expect every page to be beautiful ! Allow yourself to make ugly art. Or try what I love to do and search your pages for “sweet spots” – little treasured pieces that really shine. It is YOUR VERY OWN Process ! There is truly no right or wrong involved. You are taking the time just for you, to see what will come and to let your inner artist develop. You deserve that time. Play, beautiful One, play…

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

My BLOG
My ETSY SHOP

Short Bio:

The Queen of Arts, aka the Rock Fairy, aka Kim de Broin Mailhot, is a Montreal-born, New Hampshire-living mixed media artist looking for ways to LIVE this one precious life to its fullest. I share my Yellow House on Orange Street with my sweet Computer-Geek soul mate hubby, David and our furry children. Family, friends and art are most beloved to me, in exactly that order! The one thing that I know for absolutely sure is that LOVE is the answer to every question, and I am setting out to apply that answer every day to the best of my ability. Not a bad job description, is it ? Here’s to it, Beautiful Ones ! Cheers !