Embrace the Canvas (or Art Journal)

Why do you make art?

For many (including me) it is a great stress relief. Some days where schedules often dictate our every move and demands seem never-ending, a few minutes of art can help me breathe a little easier. Over the years, art has also given me a sense of accomplishment. Being able to take a blank page and fill it is almost magical.

It's easy to forget you and your relationship with art when things are piling on. Amidst the hustle and bustle, finding moments of self-love becomes vital for our well-being. And what better way to express and nurture this love than through art and creativity? For artists like us, the art journal or canvas can become not just a surface for paint, but a mirror reflecting our journey of self-discovery and self-love.

How can you show yourself some arty self love?

GET IT OUT…

Art can turn our pain into beauty and our struggles into strength. It can also let you “get things out” and jut allow you to let go of a bad day. We can channel our emotions onto the canvas, transforming raw feelings into tangible works of art. It's a release of pent-up emotions that ultimately leads to healing, self-discovery and well-being. For me, abstract art has really allowed me to connect my feelings with my art. A bad day can become a bold line across a sheet of collage paper or a painting that gets painted over. So, grab your brushes and let your emotions flow freely onto the canvas. You'll be amazed at how liberating it feels to turn your inner turmoil into a masterpiece of resilience.

ENJOY THE PROCESS OF MAKING ART…

In our fast-paced world, we're often conditioned to focus on the end result rather than the journey itself. But as artists, we know that the true joy lies in the process of creation. From then blank page to the last bit of collage, each step is a labor of love, a testament to our dedication and passion for our craft. So, instead of fixating on perfection or worrying about the finished product, why not savor every moment of the creative process? After all, it's not just about reaching the destination; it's about enjoying the journey along the way.

LAUGH AT MISTAKES…

Let's face it - we've all had our fair share of artistic mishaps. Whether it's accidentally dipping your brush in your coffee cup or realizing too late that we've mixed the wrong colors, mistakes are an inevitable part of the creative process. But instead of getting frustrated or disheartened, why not embrace these mistakes with a sense of humor? After all, laughter is the best medicine for the soul! So, the next time you make a blunder on your canvas, don't be afraid to laugh it off and turn it into a happy little accident. Who knows? It might just lead to your next masterpiece!

CELEBRATE YOUR ART…

We have the power to express ourselves in ways that transcend language and societal norms. Whether it's through abstract shapes, bold strokes, or intricate details, our artwork becomes a reflection of our innermost thoughts and feelings. It's a form of self-expression that celebrates our individuality and uniqueness, reminding us that we are enough, just as we are. So, let your creativity run wild and unabashedly express yourself on the canvas. After all, there's no greater act of self-love than embracing and celebrating who you truly are.

Conclusion: In a world that often demands our time and attention, it's easy to neglect the most important relationship of all - the one with ourselves. But as mixed media artists, we have a powerful tool at our disposal to nurture and celebrate this relationship - art and creativity. Through imperfections, colors, emotions, and laughter, we embark on a journey of self-love that is as beautiful as the artwork we create. So, let's embrace the canvas as a love letter to ourselves, celebrating our authenticity, resilience, and creativity every step of the way. After all, the greatest masterpiece of all is the one called YOU.