Art Journals & Creative Healing: Restoring the Spirit Through Self-Expression

It is true not to judge a book by it's cover. The cover of this one had me passing it by- but I happened to look inside and was hooked. This is ALL about the content... yes, there is lots of eye candy- but these are pages where people are working with content. Loss, illness, life changes, but also births and motherhood, moving, frustrations, difficult relationships, financial worries... but not as pity me sorts of pages, or agony aunt conversations- these are beautifully rendered, heartfelt, real thoughts and feelings of living and breathing people who are just sharing what real life is like sometimes. Artists who happen to be women keeping it real in the pages of their journals fill the pages of this book with their stories, essays, and their work. If it is all about the pretty or what the newest technique is, this one isn't for you. If it is about the journey, the process, the work- it's a good one. Buy it - you won't regret it. I'm the author of:Mixed-Media Nature Journals: New Techniques for Exploring Nature, Life, and Memories and True Vision: Authentic Art Journaling

While other books can inspire technique and artistic skills this book focuses on the reason that we keep journals. When we are alone with illness, dislocation, pain, worry, grief or other troubles we don't always have a friend to talk to. But we do have the journal to confide in. I respect and thank all the people who contributed to this book. It has made me see how journaling can be a tool for ministers, friends and family to reach through and encourage someone who is suffering. Also, we will never know when the day presents us with a demon that we must live with. Art has power to move through time and place as do words. This book is more of a testiment of how many people used journaling as a pair of waterwings while swimming through unknown waters. Their generosity is wonderful. The book is an excellent tool and motivator.

I just love this book! It confirmed what I've known and practiced for many years. Journaling helps bring a balance and healing to my life. What I didn't realize was how when coupled with art expression it magnified the effect. I took a one hour art therapy class at college years ago, so this set the foundation for this concept. I appreciate the openess in which the artists and writers share their stories and examples of their creations. The work is beautiful. The book is well written and well illustrated. My mother passed away last year. I have begun my own art journal titled, "The darkest day; the darkest night." It has been so helpful to me that I have taken this great book to my school and shared it with some of my students and they are creating their own creative art journals. This book has touched my life and now is touching the lives of some of my students. Thank you Sharon Soneff for sharing this great work and for all those artists and writers who shared their stories!

I purchased this book solely for the fact that a friend of mine was a contributor... when it arrived I sat down and turned straight to her pages and was just blown away by the book as a whole. While it is an amazing showcase for what is possible when creating a journal-- this book is so much more when you read the contributions and let the words and feelings wash over you. I saw myself and some of my life experiences laid out in someone elses words-- it was a powerful way to realize that we are not alone with our individual struggles. Save on shipping and get two! You will want to bless SOMEONE you know with a copy of this amazing work.

This book is great for people who want to start their own art journal. It gave me a lot of great ideas and inspiration. There are a lot of personal stories to read and they really helped me with what I wanted to write in my journal. It doesn't all have to be happy. You can write the "real" stuff in life too. :)