You may look at some art work and "get it" or stare at hundreds other pictures and forget them next minute. Some visual content is just hitting our heart or simply not. They may be artists who paint one thing over and over for 20 years and never have enough, others are attached to colour, develop specific style. It is all about visual language- that language with no sound but stronger than a shout. Language that exists in you and maybe wants to scream- do you know how to find it?

If you have been creating art journals for a while you probably know by now that the most satisfying part of the process is working from your heart and using creative communication as a tool of expression. Visual journaling is far more than just creating "pretty pages". It has gone from that trend to "raw" journaling- pages are packed with intensity and deep thought. That intensity can also spread further into canvases, painted boards, altered objects, assemblage. Intensity is something that evokes mixed emotions very often. Why? Is it too much? Shall there be a limit or maybe art should stick to "pretty things"? Intensity is not controlled hence the reason for its low popularity? Either is creativity-flying far away from any form of control on crazy wings of freedom...

February issue of my ARTstirrer is ready! This time the glory of winter laziness, about the problem with the wings and journaling about your life story. This is my 4th issue of this collection of images, thoughts and inspirations. Hope you enjoy! You can always click on tag "Artstirrer" to see all issues.

Wishing you lots of creative daydreaming this week!

Honorata

So here we go-Episode 3 of Subconscious Collage for Art journaling arrived in February. This time I am trying to inspire you to look at your self-acceptance. Self-acceptance as creating a life story of yourself, where you are naturally yourself rather than the creation of expectations coming from others. There are shoots of journals, me flying (or waiting for the wings) and feathers- enjoy! :)

I do lots of art journaling- so much that it worries me sometimes it is my addiction. But from time to time I dab into painting and drawing- not for production of spectacular, fine art but for different reasons. I never really painted for the outcome- to have the finish product. The same with drawing that I am still scared of- I do it for a different reason, quite selfish in some respect...

Today I am giving you a virtual tour of my house. It is not an estate agent show off- this is a tour taking you to few rooms of my house to show you what it may look like living with a passionate creative type. It is not a stereotypical mess all over the place- no, it gets worse than that, ha ha! Household items simply are having second life here and you may find it surprising, amusing or simply bizarre.

Creative life is not only about art or creative activities. It is the holistic way of approaching our existence and you are born with that need/hunger/desire for it or not. Living that life can bring you joy but also put on a roller coaster as creativity is not a loyal friend and like to forget about you from time to time leaving on the mercy of misery and pain. Even with that price to pay creatives do not see another option of living like dancing with uncertain creative flow. During last year I have experienced the power of another force that combines with creative life, making it more possible to become richer and lasting experience. Something that we are not able to do on our own but can be sometimes even done by those who have nothing to do with creativity itself. I am talking about the power of support

So the Subconscious Collage project took off the ground with the Episode 2 "Fear" and we have people from different countries and time zones creating to the tune of their mind. It has been a wonderful experience to have like- minded people who can join this journey of self-discovery. If you want to join here is a link to FB group with all episodes so far and reflective exercises for each subject. But let's just think for a moment why subconscious and art journaling mixture- where is that connection coming from? Is it the nature of art journaling to dig a little bit deeper and how can creativity be subconscious?

I struggle with seriousness on all levels. Life seems so much easier to bear when there is some type of distance to yourself, play, fun and simple playfulness...In days filled with constant demands to behave like that and that, meet certain expectations and all that...where is the play? We lost the ability we possessed as kids where the joy of simple play and laughter accompanied the daily life. Creativity and playfulness are close sisters. Through playfulness we can let creativity fly in unlimited directions and thanks to creativity playfulness becomes meaningful.

Here we go- my second issue of ARTstirrer- monthly collection of images of my art, inspiration, words - all spiced with philosophical approach and sprinkled with humour:) If you missed November issue please click tag " artstirrer" on right hand site of the blog main page. Hope it can bring some positivity into your creative life and feel free to share! In this issue I added Pinterest selection and Talking Painting part. There is darker colour scheme and some wintery stars as well.

Happy creating in December!

Artstirrer and creative freedom fighter-Honorata;)