I love illustrated journals. In fact, I have several books on my studio shelves about “how to” make illustrated journals. However, I have never actually made an illustrated journal. I find myself thinking, “Oh, I’ll make that when I learn to use acrylics properly.” Or, “I’ll start that when I know how many pages I want for each color/theme/idea.” Or, “I’ll do that when I’ve learned how to draw.”
The reality is we’ll always have something else to learn, some new idea to add to the order, or a new technique to master. If we wait until we “have it all together” before we start, we’ll never manage to get there. It’s like Lillithmother said in last week’s Small-is-Beautiful comments:
“ ….I have been struggling for a week to think small instead of big … I have creative projects in my head that I want out right away, already finished…without having to do all the small crappy stuff to get it to the point that my inner-perfectionist says it’s okay to do so. I struggle with the preparation…the practising…the research…because I now see that I’m getting so ahead of myself! I don’t have to make these projects to sell on Etsy (just yet)….I don’t have to add the frills…I can go simple….I can go small, and receive the same satisfaction…and offer the same gift of love and beauty….”
Lillith helped me remember that the small and the simple are often things of great satisfaction. We can all give each other the tiny shove that it sometimes takes to get us to lay our hand to the next small step in our unfolding worlds. For instance….
When we were on vacation last week I wanted to keep a journal to commemorate our trip. I had brought spiral bound blank books for the kids to paint and write in each night, but had neglected to get anything for myself. All I had with me was some drawing paper, my embroidery thread, and some very basic art supplies in my portable art box. (Some markers, a pencil, a stencil, and some thin-tipped sharpies.) I didn’t let my lack of the “perfect” supplies, or even my lack of a blank book keep me from making this small memory keeper:
I’m especially happy with this simple page.
I took a drawing class last year and rapidly learned that sketching is not my forte. But like Lillith’s reminder to “go simple,” my drawing teacher had a common refrain that has helped me to keep trying. His turn of phrase was, “That’s great! That’s totally recognizable!” Even though these quick pen strokes are far from being the pelicans I saw in my minds eye, they are clear enough to capture the memory. I’m glad I was brave enough to let my small attempts at drawing catch something beautiful.
What small thing have you ventured into lately that has helped you capture something beautiful?
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