A few weeks ago I came across this beautiful book about art journaling. I have been browsing though it on and off today and thought why not share it here on my blog?
“The decorated journal” by Gwen Diehn. It doesn’t appear to be a new book but it was only published in 2005. It covers many different aspects of visual journaling including materials, techniques and even journal/book binding. I just love the way the book is presented and the way the text is worded. Gwen Diehn makes art accessible. Especially when she discusses the use of media
In her chapter about media she brings up an interesting point – less is more. The idea of using a few special pieces of equipment and really getting to know them and be expert in the use of them will produce more pleasing results than thinking we have to have all the media in all the colours. A sage piece of advice I think.
There is also some discussion of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi – and to quote from the book, “Leonard Koren says, ” Wabi-sabi is a beauty of things imperfect, impermanent and incomplete. It is the beauty of things modest and humble. It is a beauty of things unconventional.” (pg 48) The nature of wabi sabi being instrincially simple and imperfect resonates with me. What a wonderful premise to base a journal on.
And if you’re stuck for journaling ideas, this book is filled to the brim with visual ideas, media suggestions and prompts to begin pages. This book is just a beautiful book to incorporate into an art journaling library.
