30 Journals 30 Days: TAMI CHACON

Published on July 18, 2010

How long have you been Art Journaling?

I discovered art journaling when I stumbled on an article about Dan Eldon while I was teaching a creative writing workshop to a group of teens. I was blown away by his journals. I didn’t start my own journal for quite some time and even then I would not have called them art journals. I was just playing with color and cutting things from magazines. Looking back at that first journal I realize I was art journaling, I just didn’t know that was what it was! I discovered Sabrina Ward Harrison when I bought one of her books for my eldest daughter. And then I discovered blogging and I was hooked!!! I have several different sizes of journals, some hand made, some store bought and I go will work on one and while I wait for something to dry, I will open a different one. It is one of my great pleasures. If for some reason, I don’t have the chance to play with my journals, it is upsetting. My days are much better if I take the time to at least put a layer of watercolor on a page.

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

WOW! Art journaling has opened my soul! Is that corny? But it has. If I art journal I feel myself expand. I allow all those emotions that get pushed by the wayside because of responsibility and lack of time to express themselves. I have learned so much about myself by just letting my paint brush speak for me. By letting the words and images flow. I am amazed by the messages that are in my art journal.

In the past I wrote in a journal. Many journals. Many words. But my art journal allows me to express myself with images, with color, and not with just words. I make time to art journal. It is much cheaper than a therapist! : ) Art journaling is a huge part of my life. While my mother was in hospital recovering from hip surgery recently, my art journal helped me express the worry, the anxiety, and the stress with just color and words. And then as she recovered my journal showed the light and color of hope that came through. Today I made a new journal for myself to explore using black paper. I also started a new journal with a fabric that has this amazing Fabriano paper. I can’t wait to start with them! Every day I journal is a day I discover more about myself.

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

Pretty much anything goes. I love watercolor, colored markers, and stenciling! Oil pastels, photos, anything that is laying near me. Layers are so much fun and I don’t worry about the product just the process. I often don’t actually write or journal anything until later. I will go back to a page that I prepared and it sets off something in my mind and I then journal on it. Other times, I will sit down with an emotion or intention and create a page.

Who are some of your favorite Art Journalers?

Wow, this is tough! I enjoy so many.

Connie of course!!! Her art journal love class was eye and soul opening for me.

Elizabeth Bunsen

Teesha Moore

L.K. Ludwig

Christin Mason Miller

Karen Bartimole

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

Just do it. Grab some scissors, some paint, a glue stick, and some pens. Scribble, doodle, have fun and see what comes out. There is no wrong way to art journal. There is YOUR way and that is the best way for you. It will bring you joy and soul searching questions and some answers to those questions. It is a great way to find YOU!