"When we all think alike, then no one is thinking."
— Walter Lippman

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Visual Journals


In the drawing and painting classes I teach, all students get to make visual journals. We use simple materials to construct the books since we are on a budget, but the end results are quite nice. Out of mat board, heavy papers, fabrics, adhesives, cording, acrylic paints and whatever else we care to add to the mix, students create this basic form and then embellish and fill it in their own way. Each semester I make one along with the students. Pictured here is one embellished with copper stars.
Pictured below is another journal showing a different treatment of the spine. On this one, threads were woven into the exposed binding.
Here is a view of the pages in the journal above. You can see more of this journal in the post below. It's almost full, so time to start on the new one!
I would encourage anyone who is interested to begin a visual journal. There are many great resources on the internet to get you started and inspire your creativity. Just have fun with it, there are no rules.

4 comments:

tgarrett said...

Beautiful Journals. How big are those? I am sure the students really feel a sense of accomplishment when those are completed- wonder if they get scared to start the pages?
Thanks for sharing these. Terry

Ann Renee Lighter said...

Thanks for commenting Terry! The journals are 8 x 10, a nice size to work in.
I start the students off with a group project in collage. This gets them over any fear of beginning. After that, you can't hold them back. The biggest difficulty I have is getting them to do anything else! The students carry their books around and share them with everyone.
It's a very rewarding project. This year I have over 75 students making journals!
Ann

Sherry said...

This is really a wonderful idea. I've been looking for something special to capture the change of diection my work has been going in, as well as a use for the leftover maps. Thank you so much for sharing.

Ann Renee Lighter said...

Hi Sherry,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you have fun starting a visual journal. I think incorporating leftover maps into the pages is a great idea!
Ann

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