What do you mean by “Raw Art?”
---> Raw art journaling is the deep-rooted, authentic heart work you bring to your journal. Raw art is what heals and restores, and requires only an open mind and heart, not a pile of equipment or years of talent. It can be drawing, painting, sewing, photography, or choreography, even cooking. Any creative work.
What inspired you to create the 'Raw Art Journaling' process?
--->Some years ago, I was sitting in an outdoor cafe, enjoying the afternoon. The day was sunny and mild, and the setting beautiful. An interesting gate in the wall across the street caught my attention. The gate was ornate, the wall plain, the flowers around it lovely. A woman at a table close to mine was doing a watercolor sketch in her journal. Perfect! I grabbed my journal and began to sketch.
I’m not an illustrator. The gate I drew was crooked and looked odd. The plants looked sad and weird. I was embarrassed and got up to leave. As I walked past the watercolorist, I saw her lovely work and felt ashamed. The day was no longer beautiful.
Although that day was many years ago, and I've since taken classes and can draw competently, I have never forgotten that experience--of not being good enough. I could have taken a photo of the gate, but I wanted to have art come from my hands.
It was not the fact that I could not draw, it was a bigger lack I felt that day. I wanted to make something meaningful. I wanted to make meaning. The truth that struck me was that we do not FIND meaning, we MAKE meaning in our lives. Once that realization slid into my soul, I realized that making meaning was not necessarily done by being an illustrator.
How did you know you had a 'Raw Art Journaling' book in you?
---> I'm a creativity coach. I've heard many stories of people feeling they were "not enough," and longing for a creative life. I wanted to let them know they are not alone, and they can participate in creativity in ways that will change their lives. That's a pretty big impetus to write a book!
What did you learn in your book writing and publishing experience?
--> I've been writing for many decades. My editor taught me so much about listening well and responding to questions that lead to clarity. She said, "Books aren't written, they are re-written." She was right. I loved that the publisher handled the design of the book in an experienced, professional way. And I was so impressed that the publisher encouraged me to include samples of ordinary people's raw art in the book. Art people can relate to, not aspire to.
What's the best way for a person to use your book?
---> There is no wrong way to use the book. The book is less a how-to book as it is a how-to-BE book. Be creative. Read the table of contents, pick something that catches your attention, and work the project. Close your eyes, crack open the book, point to a project, see if it appeals to you. I would be filled with irrational exuberance if I thought people read the book cover to cover and did the projects in order. Although, I am teaching an online class in which we do just that. Because the people taking the class will each have a different approach and results, I can't wait to see what happens.
How does this kind of journaling act as a way to work through writer’s block and life problems?
---> Writing puts you in touch with parts of you that are creative and healing. Writing allows you to both remember (a to-do list, dreams) and forget (letting go of anger). Writing in that free, easy way is often the first step to writing about a specific topic or starting a project. The book allows you to acknowledge your inner critic without allowing the critic to set up a working desk in the studio. I've mentioned meaning-making earlier. When we allow ourselves to make meaning, we allow ourselves to heal, to move along the path of our life's journey. When we heal, move, make meaning, we become problem solvers--that's a creative skill.
About the Author
Quinn McDonald of QuinnCreative offers life and creativity coaching, writing services and training in business writing, presentations and business communications.
You can purchase her Raw Art Journaling book here.
Do you find yourself dwelling on missed opportunities? Or perhaps you're having trouble making sense of it all? Please download our free ebook, CreateWriteNow's Expert Guide to Therapeutic Journaling, shows you journaling can provide the tools you need to achieve the happiness we all deserve.