facilitation | tesswyatt's Blog

I facilitated an introduction to art journalling for some group workers and counsellors in Dunfermline yesterday – they are hoping to introduce some journalling to their clients so I have written an outline of the session. ( The group had a big range of art experience , from seasoned art makers to those who were quite anxious of using art materials )

I have been art journalling with my friend Debbie and following Shelley Klammer , Lisa Sonora and Orly Avineri – so they have influenced my work heavily . I also draw from my art practice and teaching experience

This CPD session shows you how to start art journaling – using simple techniques to explore feelings and emotions through art materials – have fun using found images, explore collage and expressive techniques with crayons and

Materials and equipment

Pastels and paint

Sample technique books

Examples of journals

Blank journals

Box of collage bags – scraps / paper / my prints

Scissors

baby wipes/ paper towels

Magazines

Glue sticks

Paint

Palettes

Make up sponges

Stencils

Paintbrushes

Washi tape

Pencils

Biros

black sharpie

White signo pens

Letter stamps

Ink pads

Pastels

Colouring pencils

Wax crayons

Abstract photos

Photos of journal pages

Aspects of self cards

Soul cards

Forgot to take hair dryers or drying tool
Morning session 10am- 12.20 ( with 15 min coffee break)

Intro session

Introduce my self

Group explain who they are and what art experience they have

Look at some art journalling examples and ideas for how group could use them for self care. Through out the day I would explore ways that they could use this technique with their clients.

Important to create a safe space with no expectation of art skills, no right or wrong way of art journalling , it is for your self, try and work in an intuitive , not over thinking kind of way

Warm up exercises

1) taking a line for a walk – What an angry / sad / happy / content mark / line would look like in pencil and pastel

2) Abstract Photos – images of walls , water, fabric , my abstract art , stairwells etc

A) Look at the picture write down what comes into your head when you look – don’t over think it do stream of conscious stuff –

B) then write down what it makes you feel, weather, time of day, mood etc

Discuss with the person sitting next to you

Art journalling

Choose something that has been with you this week – not a really deep emotional ‘thing’ but more like an irritation – or a feeling

Sit with it for a bit

Then take a magazine and with soft eyes not reading the articles flip through the pages and rip out any whole pages with things that you like or attract you

Try not to think too much – words / images/ patterns / texture

When you have a pile go through and get rid of excess page by cutting or ripping out the pieces that attracted you

Suggestion – choose a large piece for a background and stick it into your journal

Then place some of the other images / text onto your page – when you like the arrangement stick it down

Use collage bags / letter stamps / words

Discuss with the person sitting next you and come up with some statements about the work so far to share with the group

Group plenary

Afternoon session 1-2.30pm

Introduce paint

Stencilling

Washi tape

Aspects of self cards