I suppose I got past the place of feeling stuck. With a wake up call and a self-pep talk I think I am back on track and more motivated for my own purposes than pleasing others or meeting deadlines.

I have noticed that my work is getting more personal. I've been writing more- at times venting- and then working over those pages. The work has also gotten quicker. I am thinking less about the how I want things to be and simply go with the media. I make choices as I go, stopping at various times to see what the piece needs. I never have an end in mind...the theme or words always come after the piece has evolved. I did know that I wanted to do a self-portrait spread, but did not know that it would be on this spread.

There seems to be a lot of repetition in my work. Lately I've noticed a lot of circles, in various forms. Pastel washes, spring themes- not surprising. I feel like I am enjoying this work more now. I have experimented with various techniques and things, and am now simply making art. I feel a new freedom to create, without even a strict intention in mind...the meaning always comes when it needs to. Some times I need to let the page sit for a while...for days or weeks before it progresses to the next step. The self- portrait piece took a week to 'complete'. And I never really know if the spread is done. I like the option of going back and milling over a theme to ponder it further.

I am starting to really believe in the power of the art journal. I wasn't sold on it at first and wondered if I could really get to the point of journaling about personal things visually.. but I am walking in that direction more and more.


I have also started to examine my life in a way that I haven't in a long time. I am assessing my priorities and interests and beginning again to redefine who I am and who I long to be. It always changes as I grow and especially as I progress in the Art Therapy program.