My journal contains a lot of dark, autumnal entries this year. Much of it of course has to do with being in Mexico for Day of the Dead. Some of it has to do with losing my companion of so many years, Hermanito. The 200 pound gorilla; time is passing - the sands are drifting down and the pile on the bottom is bigger than the pile on the top.
I want to be one of those people who glide along and do not dwell on dark subjects. Most artists I find are not like that. We dwell on frickin' everything. We are ponderers and seers and seekers and such.
I am searching for my sea legs. Where did I leave off? What have I forgotten? I've been moving too fast and I am someone who loves moving slowly.
In Mexico I tore announcements off telephone poles for my journal pages. They were block printed or more likely silk screened and very fun; picture me running out at dusk and pinching the posters off to the bewildered stares of the passersby. (I only took posters of events that had already passed. I am not a scofflaw.) ;-D
Anyway, some journal pages for your amusement (note the window above which is cut out - I posted it a week ago). I'm lost in the ozone somewhere above the tree line, looking for that kite string that always leads me back home. So far, still looking.
My journal contains a lot of dark, autumnal entries this year. Much of it of course has to do with being in Mexico for Day of the Dead. Some of it has to do with losing my companion of so many years, Hermanito. The 200 pound gorilla; time is passing - the sands are drifting down and the pile on the bottom is bigger than the pile on the top.
I want to be one of those people who glide along and do not dwell on dark subjects. Most artists I find are not like that. We dwell on frickin' everything. We are ponderers and seers and seekers and such.
I am searching for my sea legs. Where did I leave off? What have I forgotten? I've been moving too fast and I am someone who loves moving slowly.
In Mexico I tore announcements off telephone poles for my journal pages. They were block printed or more likely silk screened and very fun; picture me running out at dusk and pinching the posters off to the bewildered stares of the passersby. (I only took posters of events that had already passed. I am not a scofflaw.) ;-D
Anyway, some journal pages for your amusement (note the window above which is cut out - I posted it a week ago). I'm lost in the ozone somewhere above the tree line, looking for that kite string that always leads me back home. So far, still looking.
Colorful and interesting as always Judy. I like the kite string image too. Life is fleeting. Enjoy as much as you can. You did pack in a lot this year, you are a very busy artist. I admire your stamina and all that you seem to be able to do.
ReplyDeleteAnd how much you share with others.
Judy - so appreciated you sharing your journey and your personal journal pages with us - you lead by example and it gives me permission to follow your lead - thanks for that - Reva (Los Angeles)
ReplyDeleteWoW - thanks for this post! I was thinking it was just me being deep and too introspective and feeling adrift.Nice to know I am not alone!
ReplyDeleteWe're a bit Monty Python over here and always look on the bright side of life. Your journal pages are always a joy of colour and imagery.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. The words and the imagery. The honesty of feelings and the reminder of *all* dwellings, dark and light, sacred and profane. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journal pages with us. They are so inspiring. And I had a good laugh picturing you stealthily stealing the announcements off the poles. I just take pictures, but that gets me some weird looks too.
ReplyDeleteCheers from England!
We dwell in frickin' everything is right! Well said. Your pages send me, as ever ... muchas gracias for sharing them! [I also think such as Hermanito's recent passing is well worth the 'dwelling upon'. This American society wants to do everything in microbites, abbreviations, shortcuts - including the assimilation of strong, deep emotion/events -- I disagree completely with that!]
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I'm a dweller-on-the or in-the-dark as well. There is something about being on the other side of fifty that does that, as well. At least the years of therapy and 12-step have taught me to seek the bright side, so that has become a practice, thank Gawd!
ReplyDeleteyour journal pages would make for a fantastic book, one that i could pick up and dive in at all times. i would love that!
ReplyDeletei have often wondered what it would be like to be one of those people that glide along, never getting caught up in so much drama, everywhere drama, i swear sometimes it feels like static, it just clings... even if i read the news paper, there i am, holding on to the drama i just read... some times for day. anyhow, after some thought i don't think i am cut out to be one of those kinds of people, don't get me wrong, gliding would be nice on some days, but not all days...at least not for me... i think i would end up painting with only gesso...and that's just not as much fun...the world needs gesso and color.... :-)
i am overly caffeinated... hence the rambling. ;-)
glad you are home Judy, take care. xo
i love you and your journal. how it is your constant companion and a place you can always go to lay out your heart. you inspire me to do that on journal pages as well, thank you sweet judy, for giving of yourself so freely and completely. i miss you so xoxox
ReplyDeleteI love the thoughfulness of your blog posts, and of course you know I love your journals. I tend to be half dark-artist, half light, so the dark works for me. Thank you for being so open and sharing so much. Life is bittersweet. Not to be cliched.
ReplyDeleteGreat pages, as always, and thoughtful posts. Yes, the pile of time on the bottom of the hourglass is much larger than what's left on top. I've noticed this too. Tragic, I say. I noticed "your" window on one page. I forgot to do something with the one I printed out. Time to find it and glue it to a page. jeanne
ReplyDeletespectacular pages -- as usual!
ReplyDeleteHey, I think I found that string for your kite home - hehehehe.
ReplyDeletejust happened upon some really old chinese kite string and the things that the string connects to today in the recycle place i sometimes go to - how funny.
i will send you a kite from here, let me know if you catch it over there, then maybe i can drag you over here - yaah.
xo
I'm here from Bridgette's blog! journal pages are wonderful! very inspiring - will be back....
ReplyDeleteI saw "viernes..." and I started to dwell. I used to get to speak spanglish every night when my mom and i would call each other. This time of year brings a lot of thoughts and feelings bubbling to the service as it's the anniversary of her passing.
ReplyDeleteAs artists we dare to see and feel and not turn away.I wouldn't have it any other way.
The printing process has been very important to Hispanic art. One of my college professors was involved in 60's protests in the Bay Area and I remember seeing some of his posters displayed in an exhibition of protest posters of the 60's and 70's.
I love the idea of using the flyers in the journal. Cool!
Marissa
Oh Lordy!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your feelings sooo well!
Those feelings sometimes are like a miserable ton of bricks....but then again, who would we be without them?
Your journal is really inspiring.
Thank you for giving us a peek!
Hi Judy, I absolutely love your art journal work and love the photo's. I feel like I've been on vacation. I hope you don't mind i've tagged you and added you to my blog. Toni
ReplyDeleteartisajourney.blogspot.com
Lounging Lady is so beautiful...I am so happy I got to take a class with you in the magic studio in Clacakamas and have a wonderful lunch and heart to heart last year...
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