Jets Linebacker Aaron Maybin was on ESPN a few nights ago talking about how art is something that he *must* do. Watch the video:
I feel like many of the things Maybin said about making art resonated with me. The reason I got into art journaling was to process some heavy feelings during a particularly dark and difficult period of my life. And I have often joked that art keeps me from having to go to therapy. But, there's a grain of truth in there.
For me, there's nothing so calming as sitting down to carve a stamp. There's nothing that turns a bad mood around as easily as painting. There's no problem that can't be worked out by art journaling about it. There's nothing like art to soothe my wounded soul and make me feel powerful and in control.
After watching the video, I got to thinking about how to verbalize why I create art? And then I realized that I had already written a mini manifesto.
Jenny Doh runs a series on her CrescenDoh blog called "Art Saves." I participated in July 2011 and here's what I wrote:
I’m not a natural share-er. Oh, I’m delighted to give you paint or food or an hour of time. I’m an excellent listener and always happy to offer emotional support and/or thoughtful advice to my friends. But I’m not good at being the one being taken care of. I’ll share, but only up to a point. And I feel happy and relaxed in that arrangement, but I still need a place to vent.
For me, art is an outlet. Sometimes it’s even a dialogue. When I don’t have the words, I can usually at least find the colors or the shapes that describe what I’m feeling. It’s no surprise then that I tend to focus on integrating my everyday life into every piece of art I make. It’s rare for me to make something that is simply “pretty.” Usually every piece is built on a foundation of emotions and a tumble of thoughts — sometimes easily recognizable, and other times completely hidden.
Art saves me because it allows me to think. It gives me solace and counsel. Art saves me because it engages my mind and taps into subconscious thoughts. It helps me process the complexities of life. Art saves me because it listens eagerly and offers no judgment. It forces me to face what scares me the most.
But mostly, art saves me because I want to be rescued.
Those words are absolutely still true. I art because I want to and I need to — they're intertwined for me.
How about you? Why do you art?
I think we may have been separated at birth… you could have been describing me… art is definitely a calm, safe place for me, and usually turns a bad day around. thanks for sharing this… really!
I think we may have been separated at birth… you could have been describing me… art is definitely a calm, safe place for me, and usually turns a bad day around. thanks for sharing this… really!
I think we may have been separated at birth… you could have been describing me… art is definitely a calm, safe place for me, and usually turns a bad day around. thanks for sharing this… really!
I think we may have been separated at birth… you could have been describing me… art is definitely a calm, safe place for me, and usually turns a bad day around. thanks for sharing this… really!
I think we may have been separated at birth… you could have been describing me… art is definitely a calm, safe place for me, and usually turns a bad day around. thanks for sharing this… really!
Beauitful post! You’re reasons are so true! Art does a lot of things like saving us, giving us solace and letting us go of our feelings or express our emotions and thoughts.
I really love your blog and your work is really inspiring.I love scrolling through it and looking at everything and reading what you have to say.I am a twelve year old and I just made a blog : ibreatheit.blogspot.com
I would love if you could visit!
Duaa
Beauitful post! You’re reasons are so true! Art does a lot of things like saving us, giving us solace and letting us go of our feelings or express our emotions and thoughts.
I really love your blog and your work is really inspiring.I love scrolling through it and looking at everything and reading what you have to say.I am a twelve year old and I just made a blog : ibreatheit.blogspot.com
I would love if you could visit!
Duaa
Beauitful post! You’re reasons are so true! Art does a lot of things like saving us, giving us solace and letting us go of our feelings or express our emotions and thoughts.
I really love your blog and your work is really inspiring.I love scrolling through it and looking at everything and reading what you have to say.I am a twelve year old and I just made a blog : ibreatheit.blogspot.com
I would love if you could visit!
Duaa
Beauitful post! You’re reasons are so true! Art does a lot of things like saving us, giving us solace and letting us go of our feelings or express our emotions and thoughts.
I really love your blog and your work is really inspiring.I love scrolling through it and looking at everything and reading what you have to say.I am a twelve year old and I just made a blog : ibreatheit.blogspot.com
I would love if you could visit!
Duaa
Beauitful post! You’re reasons are so true! Art does a lot of things like saving us, giving us solace and letting us go of our feelings or express our emotions and thoughts.
I really love your blog and your work is really inspiring.I love scrolling through it and looking at everything and reading what you have to say.I am a twelve year old and I just made a blog : ibreatheit.blogspot.com
I would love if you could visit!
Duaa
Hi Julie,
i kind of envy people like you who pour their heart in art. I came to art trhough scrapbooking and late in my life (my fifties). So for me , art is just a happy place. Some colors, textures or collages just make me say : ”yeah, happy place”. I am still on the path to make my art more personnal and meaningful. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Julie,
i kind of envy people like you who pour their heart in art. I came to art trhough scrapbooking and late in my life (my fifties). So for me , art is just a happy place. Some colors, textures or collages just make me say : ”yeah, happy place”. I am still on the path to make my art more personnal and meaningful. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Julie,
i kind of envy people like you who pour their heart in art. I came to art trhough scrapbooking and late in my life (my fifties). So for me , art is just a happy place. Some colors, textures or collages just make me say : ”yeah, happy place”. I am still on the path to make my art more personnal and meaningful. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Julie,
i kind of envy people like you who pour their heart in art. I came to art trhough scrapbooking and late in my life (my fifties). So for me , art is just a happy place. Some colors, textures or collages just make me say : ”yeah, happy place”. I am still on the path to make my art more personnal and meaningful. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Julie,
i kind of envy people like you who pour their heart in art. I came to art trhough scrapbooking and late in my life (my fifties). So for me , art is just a happy place. Some colors, textures or collages just make me say : ”yeah, happy place”. I am still on the path to make my art more personnal and meaningful. Thanks for sharing.
You work so hard on this blog for our benefit and I see how it benefits you also. Thank you also for sharing Maybin’s video with us! If we don’t do things that benefit us, we dry up and grow old quickly. I feel so much life in your work on paper and in words!
You work so hard on this blog for our benefit and I see how it benefits you also. Thank you also for sharing Maybin’s video with us! If we don’t do things that benefit us, we dry up and grow old quickly. I feel so much life in your work on paper and in words!
You work so hard on this blog for our benefit and I see how it benefits you also. Thank you also for sharing Maybin’s video with us! If we don’t do things that benefit us, we dry up and grow old quickly. I feel so much life in your work on paper and in words!
You work so hard on this blog for our benefit and I see how it benefits you also. Thank you also for sharing Maybin’s video with us! If we don’t do things that benefit us, we dry up and grow old quickly. I feel so much life in your work on paper and in words!
You work so hard on this blog for our benefit and I see how it benefits you also. Thank you also for sharing Maybin’s video with us! If we don’t do things that benefit us, we dry up and grow old quickly. I feel so much life in your work on paper and in words!
Thanks for sharing Aaron’s story.
I once had this odd notion that if I couldn’t draw, well then I couldn’t be artistic. Spend my days trying to make up for lost time 🙂
The more time I spend art journaling and painting and reaching and growing as an artist, I wonder how I managed without it for so long?!
Art is a safe, healing, centering place that heals and helps me deal with this complex world and LIFE.
Peace, Donna
Thanks for sharing Aaron’s story.
I once had this odd notion that if I couldn’t draw, well then I couldn’t be artistic. Spend my days trying to make up for lost time 🙂
The more time I spend art journaling and painting and reaching and growing as an artist, I wonder how I managed without it for so long?!
Art is a safe, healing, centering place that heals and helps me deal with this complex world and LIFE.
Peace, Donna
Thanks for sharing Aaron’s story.
I once had this odd notion that if I couldn’t draw, well then I couldn’t be artistic. Spend my days trying to make up for lost time 🙂
The more time I spend art journaling and painting and reaching and growing as an artist, I wonder how I managed without it for so long?!
Art is a safe, healing, centering place that heals and helps me deal with this complex world and LIFE.
Peace, Donna
Thanks for sharing Aaron’s story.
I once had this odd notion that if I couldn’t draw, well then I couldn’t be artistic. Spend my days trying to make up for lost time 🙂
The more time I spend art journaling and painting and reaching and growing as an artist, I wonder how I managed without it for so long?!
Art is a safe, healing, centering place that heals and helps me deal with this complex world and LIFE.
Peace, Donna
Thanks for sharing Aaron’s story.
I once had this odd notion that if I couldn’t draw, well then I couldn’t be artistic. Spend my days trying to make up for lost time 🙂
The more time I spend art journaling and painting and reaching and growing as an artist, I wonder how I managed without it for so long?!
Art is a safe, healing, centering place that heals and helps me deal with this complex world and LIFE.
Peace, Donna
Well that made me cry. My life can be such a mess. I don’t do words well. But I can throw colors and images around. And that gives me peace. For so long I tried to be what everyone else wanted me to be…. so frustrating because you are never good enough. Now, though, I am becoming who I am supposed to be. Hallelujuh! Art is taking me there. Now my life is a beautiful colorful mess. And I am happier than I have ever been. Thank you so much Julie, for sharing that guy’s story. Love ya.
Well that made me cry. My life can be such a mess. I don’t do words well. But I can throw colors and images around. And that gives me peace. For so long I tried to be what everyone else wanted me to be…. so frustrating because you are never good enough. Now, though, I am becoming who I am supposed to be. Hallelujuh! Art is taking me there. Now my life is a beautiful colorful mess. And I am happier than I have ever been. Thank you so much Julie, for sharing that guy’s story. Love ya.
Well that made me cry. My life can be such a mess. I don’t do words well. But I can throw colors and images around. And that gives me peace. For so long I tried to be what everyone else wanted me to be…. so frustrating because you are never good enough. Now, though, I am becoming who I am supposed to be. Hallelujuh! Art is taking me there. Now my life is a beautiful colorful mess. And I am happier than I have ever been. Thank you so much Julie, for sharing that guy’s story. Love ya.
Well that made me cry. My life can be such a mess. I don’t do words well. But I can throw colors and images around. And that gives me peace. For so long I tried to be what everyone else wanted me to be…. so frustrating because you are never good enough. Now, though, I am becoming who I am supposed to be. Hallelujuh! Art is taking me there. Now my life is a beautiful colorful mess. And I am happier than I have ever been. Thank you so much Julie, for sharing that guy’s story. Love ya.
Well that made me cry. My life can be such a mess. I don’t do words well. But I can throw colors and images around. And that gives me peace. For so long I tried to be what everyone else wanted me to be…. so frustrating because you are never good enough. Now, though, I am becoming who I am supposed to be. Hallelujuh! Art is taking me there. Now my life is a beautiful colorful mess. And I am happier than I have ever been. Thank you so much Julie, for sharing that guy’s story. Love ya.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Thank you so much for sharing that video.
Thank you so much for sharing that video.
Thank you so much for sharing that video.
Thank you so much for sharing that video.
Thank you so much for sharing that video.
I saw the piece on Aaron when it aired on ESPN (funny, I’m artandfootball on Twitter) and was glad to see him share his art and the outlet it gives him with the world. I am better at words than pictures and better at listening to others than speaking my own truth. I have kept a journal for decades, but only recently started trying to engage my right brain in the action. I live in a world of words as a technical editor and art brings much-needed balance. I have only started the process of using art as an outlet for what’s inside. Far to go there, and needing encouragement. Thanks as always, Julie, for your insight and sharing!
I saw the piece on Aaron when it aired on ESPN (funny, I’m artandfootball on Twitter) and was glad to see him share his art and the outlet it gives him with the world. I am better at words than pictures and better at listening to others than speaking my own truth. I have kept a journal for decades, but only recently started trying to engage my right brain in the action. I live in a world of words as a technical editor and art brings much-needed balance. I have only started the process of using art as an outlet for what’s inside. Far to go there, and needing encouragement. Thanks as always, Julie, for your insight and sharing!
I saw the piece on Aaron when it aired on ESPN (funny, I’m artandfootball on Twitter) and was glad to see him share his art and the outlet it gives him with the world. I am better at words than pictures and better at listening to others than speaking my own truth. I have kept a journal for decades, but only recently started trying to engage my right brain in the action. I live in a world of words as a technical editor and art brings much-needed balance. I have only started the process of using art as an outlet for what’s inside. Far to go there, and needing encouragement. Thanks as always, Julie, for your insight and sharing!
I saw the piece on Aaron when it aired on ESPN (funny, I’m artandfootball on Twitter) and was glad to see him share his art and the outlet it gives him with the world. I am better at words than pictures and better at listening to others than speaking my own truth. I have kept a journal for decades, but only recently started trying to engage my right brain in the action. I live in a world of words as a technical editor and art brings much-needed balance. I have only started the process of using art as an outlet for what’s inside. Far to go there, and needing encouragement. Thanks as always, Julie, for your insight and sharing!
I saw the piece on Aaron when it aired on ESPN (funny, I’m artandfootball on Twitter) and was glad to see him share his art and the outlet it gives him with the world. I am better at words than pictures and better at listening to others than speaking my own truth. I have kept a journal for decades, but only recently started trying to engage my right brain in the action. I live in a world of words as a technical editor and art brings much-needed balance. I have only started the process of using art as an outlet for what’s inside. Far to go there, and needing encouragement. Thanks as always, Julie, for your insight and sharing!
Thanks so much for posting the video about the football player. I’m having a tough time today and it was wonderful to hear his inspiration!
Thanks so much for posting the video about the football player. I’m having a tough time today and it was wonderful to hear his inspiration!
Thanks so much for posting the video about the football player. I’m having a tough time today and it was wonderful to hear his inspiration!
Thanks so much for posting the video about the football player. I’m having a tough time today and it was wonderful to hear his inspiration!
Thanks so much for posting the video about the football player. I’m having a tough time today and it was wonderful to hear his inspiration!
Awesome post today Julie!! So happy I took the time to watch the video, and appreciate you posting it. Sometimes it’s nice to hear from others that making art is not about the finished piece…or how much gets sold. Good reinforcement to just keep on making art and knowing that every day is better because of it.
Awesome post today Julie!! So happy I took the time to watch the video, and appreciate you posting it. Sometimes it’s nice to hear from others that making art is not about the finished piece…or how much gets sold. Good reinforcement to just keep on making art and knowing that every day is better because of it.
Awesome post today Julie!! So happy I took the time to watch the video, and appreciate you posting it. Sometimes it’s nice to hear from others that making art is not about the finished piece…or how much gets sold. Good reinforcement to just keep on making art and knowing that every day is better because of it.
Awesome post today Julie!! So happy I took the time to watch the video, and appreciate you posting it. Sometimes it’s nice to hear from others that making art is not about the finished piece…or how much gets sold. Good reinforcement to just keep on making art and knowing that every day is better because of it.
Awesome post today Julie!! So happy I took the time to watch the video, and appreciate you posting it. Sometimes it’s nice to hear from others that making art is not about the finished piece…or how much gets sold. Good reinforcement to just keep on making art and knowing that every day is better because of it.
Beautiful post! I art because it’s MY time, but they I get to give what I make to others. It’s a win, win for a busy working mom.
Beautiful post! I art because it’s MY time, but they I get to give what I make to others. It’s a win, win for a busy working mom.
Beautiful post! I art because it’s MY time, but they I get to give what I make to others. It’s a win, win for a busy working mom.
Beautiful post! I art because it’s MY time, but they I get to give what I make to others. It’s a win, win for a busy working mom.
Beautiful post! I art because it’s MY time, but they I get to give what I make to others. It’s a win, win for a busy working mom.
Interesting to see this video on Maybin…art for me is usually a way to relax and focus on life in a different way (no worries while I’m painting and crafting).
Interesting to see this video on Maybin…art for me is usually a way to relax and focus on life in a different way (no worries while I’m painting and crafting).
Interesting to see this video on Maybin…art for me is usually a way to relax and focus on life in a different way (no worries while I’m painting and crafting).
Interesting to see this video on Maybin…art for me is usually a way to relax and focus on life in a different way (no worries while I’m painting and crafting).
Interesting to see this video on Maybin…art for me is usually a way to relax and focus on life in a different way (no worries while I’m painting and crafting).
Thank you for sharing this video, and more importantly thank you for sharing a piece of yourself everyday.
Thank you for sharing this video, and more importantly thank you for sharing a piece of yourself everyday.
Thank you for sharing this video, and more importantly thank you for sharing a piece of yourself everyday.
Thank you for sharing this video, and more importantly thank you for sharing a piece of yourself everyday.
Thank you for sharing this video, and more importantly thank you for sharing a piece of yourself everyday.
This makes me quiet. I feel for him. And what a beautiful art is he making. Right from the heart. I make art, because i need it too. If i don’t i do not live. It makes my head empty from all the thougt’s and the difficulties of the day.
Thank you for sharing this.
This makes me quiet. I feel for him. And what a beautiful art is he making. Right from the heart. I make art, because i need it too. If i don’t i do not live. It makes my head empty from all the thougt’s and the difficulties of the day.
Thank you for sharing this.
This makes me quiet. I feel for him. And what a beautiful art is he making. Right from the heart. I make art, because i need it too. If i don’t i do not live. It makes my head empty from all the thougt’s and the difficulties of the day.
Thank you for sharing this.
This makes me quiet. I feel for him. And what a beautiful art is he making. Right from the heart. I make art, because i need it too. If i don’t i do not live. It makes my head empty from all the thougt’s and the difficulties of the day.
Thank you for sharing this.
This makes me quiet. I feel for him. And what a beautiful art is he making. Right from the heart. I make art, because i need it too. If i don’t i do not live. It makes my head empty from all the thougt’s and the difficulties of the day.
Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for posting Aaron’s video. It was so touching to listen to a “big,strong, tough guy” discuss his passion and need for art and art journaling. I, too, started off as a scrapbooker; making numerous albums of and for family and friends. Everyone use to tell me how much they enjoyed the colors and art graphics I used in my albums. After spending hundreds of dollars on scrapbook embellishments, I started making my own, which evolved into using colored pencils, paints and stencils. After going through some terrible medical issues, I began to write down my thoughts and inspiring quotes…this evolved into what is now called art journaling, combining my own “graphics” and color with words. Arting has also introduced me to many like-kind souls, for which I will be eternally grateful. Thanks, Julie
Thank you for posting Aaron’s video. It was so touching to listen to a “big,strong, tough guy” discuss his passion and need for art and art journaling. I, too, started off as a scrapbooker; making numerous albums of and for family and friends. Everyone use to tell me how much they enjoyed the colors and art graphics I used in my albums. After spending hundreds of dollars on scrapbook embellishments, I started making my own, which evolved into using colored pencils, paints and stencils. After going through some terrible medical issues, I began to write down my thoughts and inspiring quotes…this evolved into what is now called art journaling, combining my own “graphics” and color with words. Arting has also introduced me to many like-kind souls, for which I will be eternally grateful. Thanks, Julie
Thank you for posting Aaron’s video. It was so touching to listen to a “big,strong, tough guy” discuss his passion and need for art and art journaling. I, too, started off as a scrapbooker; making numerous albums of and for family and friends. Everyone use to tell me how much they enjoyed the colors and art graphics I used in my albums. After spending hundreds of dollars on scrapbook embellishments, I started making my own, which evolved into using colored pencils, paints and stencils. After going through some terrible medical issues, I began to write down my thoughts and inspiring quotes…this evolved into what is now called art journaling, combining my own “graphics” and color with words. Arting has also introduced me to many like-kind souls, for which I will be eternally grateful. Thanks, Julie
Thank you for posting Aaron’s video. It was so touching to listen to a “big,strong, tough guy” discuss his passion and need for art and art journaling. I, too, started off as a scrapbooker; making numerous albums of and for family and friends. Everyone use to tell me how much they enjoyed the colors and art graphics I used in my albums. After spending hundreds of dollars on scrapbook embellishments, I started making my own, which evolved into using colored pencils, paints and stencils. After going through some terrible medical issues, I began to write down my thoughts and inspiring quotes…this evolved into what is now called art journaling, combining my own “graphics” and color with words. Arting has also introduced me to many like-kind souls, for which I will be eternally grateful. Thanks, Julie
Thank you for posting Aaron’s video. It was so touching to listen to a “big,strong, tough guy” discuss his passion and need for art and art journaling. I, too, started off as a scrapbooker; making numerous albums of and for family and friends. Everyone use to tell me how much they enjoyed the colors and art graphics I used in my albums. After spending hundreds of dollars on scrapbook embellishments, I started making my own, which evolved into using colored pencils, paints and stencils. After going through some terrible medical issues, I began to write down my thoughts and inspiring quotes…this evolved into what is now called art journaling, combining my own “graphics” and color with words. Arting has also introduced me to many like-kind souls, for which I will be eternally grateful. Thanks, Julie
I cannot watch the video because I am at work but what you wrote rings true for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I do not like to take narcotics at all. So when I cannot wrap my mind around the pain anymore I go up to my craft room and make something. It doesn’t have to be related to what I am feeling I just make something and I feel I have defeated the pain by even just making a sprayed tag. If I am productive the pain cannot win!
I cannot watch the video because I am at work but what you wrote rings true for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I do not like to take narcotics at all. So when I cannot wrap my mind around the pain anymore I go up to my craft room and make something. It doesn’t have to be related to what I am feeling I just make something and I feel I have defeated the pain by even just making a sprayed tag. If I am productive the pain cannot win!
I cannot watch the video because I am at work but what you wrote rings true for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I do not like to take narcotics at all. So when I cannot wrap my mind around the pain anymore I go up to my craft room and make something. It doesn’t have to be related to what I am feeling I just make something and I feel I have defeated the pain by even just making a sprayed tag. If I am productive the pain cannot win!
I cannot watch the video because I am at work but what you wrote rings true for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I do not like to take narcotics at all. So when I cannot wrap my mind around the pain anymore I go up to my craft room and make something. It doesn’t have to be related to what I am feeling I just make something and I feel I have defeated the pain by even just making a sprayed tag. If I am productive the pain cannot win!
I cannot watch the video because I am at work but what you wrote rings true for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and I do not like to take narcotics at all. So when I cannot wrap my mind around the pain anymore I go up to my craft room and make something. It doesn’t have to be related to what I am feeling I just make something and I feel I have defeated the pain by even just making a sprayed tag. If I am productive the pain cannot win!
Thank you for sharing the video. It was really moving and I felt so sorry for his loss and amazed by his art. I’m so glad you share your art and I can tell by some of your journal pages that there is a lot more to your story.
Thank you for sharing the video. It was really moving and I felt so sorry for his loss and amazed by his art. I’m so glad you share your art and I can tell by some of your journal pages that there is a lot more to your story.
Thank you for sharing the video. It was really moving and I felt so sorry for his loss and amazed by his art. I’m so glad you share your art and I can tell by some of your journal pages that there is a lot more to your story.
Thank you for sharing the video. It was really moving and I felt so sorry for his loss and amazed by his art. I’m so glad you share your art and I can tell by some of your journal pages that there is a lot more to your story.
Thank you for sharing the video. It was really moving and I felt so sorry for his loss and amazed by his art. I’m so glad you share your art and I can tell by some of your journal pages that there is a lot more to your story.
thank you SO much for this. i loved the video and totally relate to what you shared from Art Saves. so so much…
i even always joke with my husband that i save lots of money because i don’t need to pay for therapy sessions: i have my art.
thank you SO much for this. i loved the video and totally relate to what you shared from Art Saves. so so much…
i even always joke with my husband that i save lots of money because i don’t need to pay for therapy sessions: i have my art.
thank you SO much for this. i loved the video and totally relate to what you shared from Art Saves. so so much…
i even always joke with my husband that i save lots of money because i don’t need to pay for therapy sessions: i have my art.
thank you SO much for this. i loved the video and totally relate to what you shared from Art Saves. so so much…
i even always joke with my husband that i save lots of money because i don’t need to pay for therapy sessions: i have my art.
thank you SO much for this. i loved the video and totally relate to what you shared from Art Saves. so so much…
i even always joke with my husband that i save lots of money because i don’t need to pay for therapy sessions: i have my art.
I loved this video! I art because I love it and I need it! It’s also therapy for my depression and other things I can’t fix in my life. If I don’t art for awhile I feel like something is missing. Which is how I feel right now because it’s been awhile so it’s time to get back to my art!
I loved this video! I art because I love it and I need it! It’s also therapy for my depression and other things I can’t fix in my life. If I don’t art for awhile I feel like something is missing. Which is how I feel right now because it’s been awhile so it’s time to get back to my art!
I loved this video! I art because I love it and I need it! It’s also therapy for my depression and other things I can’t fix in my life. If I don’t art for awhile I feel like something is missing. Which is how I feel right now because it’s been awhile so it’s time to get back to my art!
I loved this video! I art because I love it and I need it! It’s also therapy for my depression and other things I can’t fix in my life. If I don’t art for awhile I feel like something is missing. Which is how I feel right now because it’s been awhile so it’s time to get back to my art!
I loved this video! I art because I love it and I need it! It’s also therapy for my depression and other things I can’t fix in my life. If I don’t art for awhile I feel like something is missing. Which is how I feel right now because it’s been awhile so it’s time to get back to my art!
Thanks for sharing the ESPN video of Maybin and his art. I agree that art is something you just have to do. The best artists are driven to do it every day.
Aloha, Kate
Thanks for sharing the ESPN video of Maybin and his art. I agree that art is something you just have to do. The best artists are driven to do it every day.
Aloha, Kate
Thanks for sharing the ESPN video of Maybin and his art. I agree that art is something you just have to do. The best artists are driven to do it every day.
Aloha, Kate
Thanks for sharing the ESPN video of Maybin and his art. I agree that art is something you just have to do. The best artists are driven to do it every day.
Aloha, Kate
Thanks for sharing the ESPN video of Maybin and his art. I agree that art is something you just have to do. The best artists are driven to do it every day.
Aloha, Kate
Oh thank you for sharing these truths Julie. Art saves. Period. I’ve always been someone who couldn’t draw that great. But now, here’s art journaling–it has made art a celestial, calm, healing realm for me and in that, is the beauty. I never wanted to diary about things. And yet, I’m a writer. Weird, I know. So years ago, I started keeping little books in my bag where I would write a quote I heard…draw our hamster unexpectedly having a dozen babies and writing that funny story–write a line I suddenly thought of for one of my characters in my play–take notes from a sermon–draw something I wanted to stitch. I just called it my little idea book–but it truly was an art journal even back then! Now I’ve taken a new leap in this world. My everyday therapy. So glad we have you! –Sandy Leigh
Oh thank you for sharing these truths Julie. Art saves. Period. I’ve always been someone who couldn’t draw that great. But now, here’s art journaling–it has made art a celestial, calm, healing realm for me and in that, is the beauty. I never wanted to diary about things. And yet, I’m a writer. Weird, I know. So years ago, I started keeping little books in my bag where I would write a quote I heard…draw our hamster unexpectedly having a dozen babies and writing that funny story–write a line I suddenly thought of for one of my characters in my play–take notes from a sermon–draw something I wanted to stitch. I just called it my little idea book–but it truly was an art journal even back then! Now I’ve taken a new leap in this world. My everyday therapy. So glad we have you! –Sandy Leigh
Oh thank you for sharing these truths Julie. Art saves. Period. I’ve always been someone who couldn’t draw that great. But now, here’s art journaling–it has made art a celestial, calm, healing realm for me and in that, is the beauty. I never wanted to diary about things. And yet, I’m a writer. Weird, I know. So years ago, I started keeping little books in my bag where I would write a quote I heard…draw our hamster unexpectedly having a dozen babies and writing that funny story–write a line I suddenly thought of for one of my characters in my play–take notes from a sermon–draw something I wanted to stitch. I just called it my little idea book–but it truly was an art journal even back then! Now I’ve taken a new leap in this world. My everyday therapy. So glad we have you! –Sandy Leigh
Oh thank you for sharing these truths Julie. Art saves. Period. I’ve always been someone who couldn’t draw that great. But now, here’s art journaling–it has made art a celestial, calm, healing realm for me and in that, is the beauty. I never wanted to diary about things. And yet, I’m a writer. Weird, I know. So years ago, I started keeping little books in my bag where I would write a quote I heard…draw our hamster unexpectedly having a dozen babies and writing that funny story–write a line I suddenly thought of for one of my characters in my play–take notes from a sermon–draw something I wanted to stitch. I just called it my little idea book–but it truly was an art journal even back then! Now I’ve taken a new leap in this world. My everyday therapy. So glad we have you! –Sandy Leigh
Oh thank you for sharing these truths Julie. Art saves. Period. I’ve always been someone who couldn’t draw that great. But now, here’s art journaling–it has made art a celestial, calm, healing realm for me and in that, is the beauty. I never wanted to diary about things. And yet, I’m a writer. Weird, I know. So years ago, I started keeping little books in my bag where I would write a quote I heard…draw our hamster unexpectedly having a dozen babies and writing that funny story–write a line I suddenly thought of for one of my characters in my play–take notes from a sermon–draw something I wanted to stitch. I just called it my little idea book–but it truly was an art journal even back then! Now I’ve taken a new leap in this world. My everyday therapy. So glad we have you! –Sandy Leigh
I so love the way that, in this post and many others, you use the word art as a verb! 🙂
I so love the way that, in this post and many others, you use the word art as a verb! 🙂
I so love the way that, in this post and many others, you use the word art as a verb! 🙂
I so love the way that, in this post and many others, you use the word art as a verb! 🙂
I so love the way that, in this post and many others, you use the word art as a verb! 🙂
Love this post today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
Love this post today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
Love this post today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
Love this post today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
Love this post today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
I have to do something *arty* everyday, have to. I used to go on vacation to relax then in a day or two I’d start to feel restless, something was missing. Then I’d have to go hunt down an art store get something to work on, ahh, the restlessness was gone. Art for me is like breathing. I can’t live without it. And,oh yes, I did finally figure out to take a few art supplies with me when I’m away from home. The video was great. Your art saves story expresses so well what I cannot. Thanks Julie for all you share.
I have to do something *arty* everyday, have to. I used to go on vacation to relax then in a day or two I’d start to feel restless, something was missing. Then I’d have to go hunt down an art store get something to work on, ahh, the restlessness was gone. Art for me is like breathing. I can’t live without it. And,oh yes, I did finally figure out to take a few art supplies with me when I’m away from home. The video was great. Your art saves story expresses so well what I cannot. Thanks Julie for all you share.
I have to do something *arty* everyday, have to. I used to go on vacation to relax then in a day or two I’d start to feel restless, something was missing. Then I’d have to go hunt down an art store get something to work on, ahh, the restlessness was gone. Art for me is like breathing. I can’t live without it. And,oh yes, I did finally figure out to take a few art supplies with me when I’m away from home. The video was great. Your art saves story expresses so well what I cannot. Thanks Julie for all you share.
I have to do something *arty* everyday, have to. I used to go on vacation to relax then in a day or two I’d start to feel restless, something was missing. Then I’d have to go hunt down an art store get something to work on, ahh, the restlessness was gone. Art for me is like breathing. I can’t live without it. And,oh yes, I did finally figure out to take a few art supplies with me when I’m away from home. The video was great. Your art saves story expresses so well what I cannot. Thanks Julie for all you share.
I have to do something *arty* everyday, have to. I used to go on vacation to relax then in a day or two I’d start to feel restless, something was missing. Then I’d have to go hunt down an art store get something to work on, ahh, the restlessness was gone. Art for me is like breathing. I can’t live without it. And,oh yes, I did finally figure out to take a few art supplies with me when I’m away from home. The video was great. Your art saves story expresses so well what I cannot. Thanks Julie for all you share.
What a wonderful post, Julie. I so enjoyed the video, it was very cool and I also loved reading what you wrote for “art saves” -awesome! I too, make art because I need to. I would not be “me” if I was not creative in some way on a regular basis! It is part of who I am.
What a wonderful post, Julie. I so enjoyed the video, it was very cool and I also loved reading what you wrote for “art saves” -awesome! I too, make art because I need to. I would not be “me” if I was not creative in some way on a regular basis! It is part of who I am.
What a wonderful post, Julie. I so enjoyed the video, it was very cool and I also loved reading what you wrote for “art saves” -awesome! I too, make art because I need to. I would not be “me” if I was not creative in some way on a regular basis! It is part of who I am.
What a wonderful post, Julie. I so enjoyed the video, it was very cool and I also loved reading what you wrote for “art saves” -awesome! I too, make art because I need to. I would not be “me” if I was not creative in some way on a regular basis! It is part of who I am.
What a wonderful post, Julie. I so enjoyed the video, it was very cool and I also loved reading what you wrote for “art saves” -awesome! I too, make art because I need to. I would not be “me” if I was not creative in some way on a regular basis! It is part of who I am.
I never would have seen that video (not a sports fan)- thank you for sharing it! It is so uplifting to hear of how art helps and heals!
I never would have seen that video (not a sports fan)- thank you for sharing it! It is so uplifting to hear of how art helps and heals!
I never would have seen that video (not a sports fan)- thank you for sharing it! It is so uplifting to hear of how art helps and heals!
I never would have seen that video (not a sports fan)- thank you for sharing it! It is so uplifting to hear of how art helps and heals!
I never would have seen that video (not a sports fan)- thank you for sharing it! It is so uplifting to hear of how art helps and heals!
Very powerful – Aaron’s video and your post! I create art because it’s who I am. Right now I don’t make my living with my art and that’s okay. Art is one thing that keeps me sane when the world around me is in chaos.
Very powerful – Aaron’s video and your post! I create art because it’s who I am. Right now I don’t make my living with my art and that’s okay. Art is one thing that keeps me sane when the world around me is in chaos.
Very powerful – Aaron’s video and your post! I create art because it’s who I am. Right now I don’t make my living with my art and that’s okay. Art is one thing that keeps me sane when the world around me is in chaos.
Very powerful – Aaron’s video and your post! I create art because it’s who I am. Right now I don’t make my living with my art and that’s okay. Art is one thing that keeps me sane when the world around me is in chaos.
Very powerful – Aaron’s video and your post! I create art because it’s who I am. Right now I don’t make my living with my art and that’s okay. Art is one thing that keeps me sane when the world around me is in chaos.
I art because I am not a writer- art journaling lets me express my feelings with some paint,etc. and just a few words- or no words. A line from a song, a short quote, a verse from the Bible or just something I came up with. It helped me express where I was during the darkest time in my life-and it does that now during the happiest time.
I art because I am not a writer- art journaling lets me express my feelings with some paint,etc. and just a few words- or no words. A line from a song, a short quote, a verse from the Bible or just something I came up with. It helped me express where I was during the darkest time in my life-and it does that now during the happiest time.
I art because I am not a writer- art journaling lets me express my feelings with some paint,etc. and just a few words- or no words. A line from a song, a short quote, a verse from the Bible or just something I came up with. It helped me express where I was during the darkest time in my life-and it does that now during the happiest time.
I art because I am not a writer- art journaling lets me express my feelings with some paint,etc. and just a few words- or no words. A line from a song, a short quote, a verse from the Bible or just something I came up with. It helped me express where I was during the darkest time in my life-and it does that now during the happiest time.
I art because I am not a writer- art journaling lets me express my feelings with some paint,etc. and just a few words- or no words. A line from a song, a short quote, a verse from the Bible or just something I came up with. It helped me express where I was during the darkest time in my life-and it does that now during the happiest time.
i often wish i could say i pour thoughts, emotions, etc into my art. i don’t. and i don’t like classes that are based on that either. that being said i DO create for my sanity. it is MY time and i notice (and so does hubby) that when i have been away from my studio too long i start to get crazy. has nothing to do with working through anything in particular it is perhaps just my way of being meditative i think. it is the only time that my mind is free from the onslaught it usually has going on – i am ocd big time among several other issues. when i am creating it all goes away for awhile so my brain can rest. so sometimes i wish my artwork had some big profound deeper meaning but it doesn’t. i just love the process of working with colors and with design! and i like to make pretty things even if no one else cares!
i often wish i could say i pour thoughts, emotions, etc into my art. i don’t. and i don’t like classes that are based on that either. that being said i DO create for my sanity. it is MY time and i notice (and so does hubby) that when i have been away from my studio too long i start to get crazy. has nothing to do with working through anything in particular it is perhaps just my way of being meditative i think. it is the only time that my mind is free from the onslaught it usually has going on – i am ocd big time among several other issues. when i am creating it all goes away for awhile so my brain can rest. so sometimes i wish my artwork had some big profound deeper meaning but it doesn’t. i just love the process of working with colors and with design! and i like to make pretty things even if no one else cares!
i often wish i could say i pour thoughts, emotions, etc into my art. i don’t. and i don’t like classes that are based on that either. that being said i DO create for my sanity. it is MY time and i notice (and so does hubby) that when i have been away from my studio too long i start to get crazy. has nothing to do with working through anything in particular it is perhaps just my way of being meditative i think. it is the only time that my mind is free from the onslaught it usually has going on – i am ocd big time among several other issues. when i am creating it all goes away for awhile so my brain can rest. so sometimes i wish my artwork had some big profound deeper meaning but it doesn’t. i just love the process of working with colors and with design! and i like to make pretty things even if no one else cares!
i often wish i could say i pour thoughts, emotions, etc into my art. i don’t. and i don’t like classes that are based on that either. that being said i DO create for my sanity. it is MY time and i notice (and so does hubby) that when i have been away from my studio too long i start to get crazy. has nothing to do with working through anything in particular it is perhaps just my way of being meditative i think. it is the only time that my mind is free from the onslaught it usually has going on – i am ocd big time among several other issues. when i am creating it all goes away for awhile so my brain can rest. so sometimes i wish my artwork had some big profound deeper meaning but it doesn’t. i just love the process of working with colors and with design! and i like to make pretty things even if no one else cares!
i often wish i could say i pour thoughts, emotions, etc into my art. i don’t. and i don’t like classes that are based on that either. that being said i DO create for my sanity. it is MY time and i notice (and so does hubby) that when i have been away from my studio too long i start to get crazy. has nothing to do with working through anything in particular it is perhaps just my way of being meditative i think. it is the only time that my mind is free from the onslaught it usually has going on – i am ocd big time among several other issues. when i am creating it all goes away for awhile so my brain can rest. so sometimes i wish my artwork had some big profound deeper meaning but it doesn’t. i just love the process of working with colors and with design! and i like to make pretty things even if no one else cares!
You took the words right out of my brain. I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have said art is cheaper than therapy… art IS my therapy. I don’t do well with books and things that encourage you to ‘find yourself’ and ‘bring out your Goddess’ and all that – it rubs me up the wrong way… but I do fully FULLY believe that art is a powerful healer and de-stresser.
thank you for sharing that video – I would never have seen it otherwise as have no idea who he is.
You took the words right out of my brain. I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have said art is cheaper than therapy… art IS my therapy. I don’t do well with books and things that encourage you to ‘find yourself’ and ‘bring out your Goddess’ and all that – it rubs me up the wrong way… but I do fully FULLY believe that art is a powerful healer and de-stresser.
thank you for sharing that video – I would never have seen it otherwise as have no idea who he is.
You took the words right out of my brain. I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have said art is cheaper than therapy… art IS my therapy. I don’t do well with books and things that encourage you to ‘find yourself’ and ‘bring out your Goddess’ and all that – it rubs me up the wrong way… but I do fully FULLY believe that art is a powerful healer and de-stresser.
thank you for sharing that video – I would never have seen it otherwise as have no idea who he is.
You took the words right out of my brain. I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have said art is cheaper than therapy… art IS my therapy. I don’t do well with books and things that encourage you to ‘find yourself’ and ‘bring out your Goddess’ and all that – it rubs me up the wrong way… but I do fully FULLY believe that art is a powerful healer and de-stresser.
thank you for sharing that video – I would never have seen it otherwise as have no idea who he is.
You took the words right out of my brain. I’ve lost count of the amount of times that I have said art is cheaper than therapy… art IS my therapy. I don’t do well with books and things that encourage you to ‘find yourself’ and ‘bring out your Goddess’ and all that – it rubs me up the wrong way… but I do fully FULLY believe that art is a powerful healer and de-stresser.
thank you for sharing that video – I would never have seen it otherwise as have no idea who he is.
I make art because I have to. It is an impulse that keeps at me until I break out some paper and do something.
I make art because I have to. It is an impulse that keeps at me until I break out some paper and do something.
I make art because I have to. It is an impulse that keeps at me until I break out some paper and do something.
I make art because I have to. It is an impulse that keeps at me until I break out some paper and do something.
I make art because I have to. It is an impulse that keeps at me until I break out some paper and do something.