A visual journal combines various aspects of mixed-media and written word to personally express oneself. This workshop is for anyone who is intrigued with visual journaling, but feels like a deer in the headlights, not knowing how to even start to visually express themselves, or feels like they can't do it because they don't have the skill or art background. Don't worry, I'm here to guide you. I'll take away the fear and obstacles and open up a new world for you, teaching you everything to get you started on your new journaling quest. Starting with conquering the blank page through playing with paint, stamps, and collage, we'll get our hands moving to free our minds and quiet the critic. Then I'll gently guide you to the next level: journaling. I'll teach you how to combine mixed-media and imagery with text for your own unique visual expression. This fun and light-spirited class will initiate you into looking inward for visual, self-expression and is for anyone regardless of art background. It would also be a good refresher for a visual journaler who feels like they are in a rut. Techniques to break through blocks to get you moving on your voyage will be covered, as well as different journaling prompts to get you started looking inside for what needs to be expressed. No art or writing experience necessary.
Supply List:
- Book to work in: can be a sketch book, or an old book that can hold up to painting the pages (no glossy pages), at least 7" x 9", but around 8" x 10" or a little bigger is better.
- Basic Tools: Scissors, Glue stick
- small jar of gel medium for gluing (I prefer Golden’s Soft Gel)
- Acrylic paints (cheap craft paints are fine)
- Various writing tools: such as pens & markers
- Paint brushes: a cheapy 1" flat for gluing, and a few other sizes for painting
- Collage material—bring a small bag for yourself including personal imagery & photographs, and a small bag to share in the communal stash
- Permanent stamp pads (Staz-on works best!) and stamps
- a few magazines to cut up and share
Optional:
- your favorite alphabet stamps
- brayer
- Various coloring materials: such as water soluble oil pastels, watercolor crayons, markers, etc
- Hair dryer or heat gun to speed up drying
Teacher will provide:
- gesso
- paper towels
- wax paper
- baby wipes
- miscellaneous supplies.
A Little About ME
Traci Bunkers, author of "The Art Journal Workshop" and "Print & Stamp Lab," is a passionate mixed-media & fiber artist who loves rusty things, glitter glue, old books to cut up and cheap cameras. Since making her own books and art journaling have been a long time passion of hers, she always feels better after getting her art on by slapping some paint down and working in her journal. Through her one-woman business Bonkers Handmade Originals, she sells her nifty creations such as hand-dyed spinning fibers and yarns, original rubber stamps, handmade books, kits and original artwork. She has been teaching workshops across the US since the early 90s and has branched out into online workshops. Visit her website to sign up for her mailing list.
