it’s all about the process…
do you know what i really love about art journaling? the fact that it is all about the process. it’s not about some beautiful end product, although many times there is one. it’s about how you get there, not the final destination.
all the little steps you took along the way.
sometimes feeling like you are going backwards.
the layers upon layers upon layers.
a piece of torn paper peeking through.
splatters.
drips.
beautiful mistakes.
messy smudges you did not intend to create.
sometimes starting over because we all need a fresh start.
finding beauty in the process of getting glue and ink all over your fingers.
isn’t it all so true to life? we get so caught up in becoming that perfect person, that we don’t stop to enjoy our journey along the way. art journaling is such a good reminder for me. that sometimes in the midst of creating our life, we will make a mess, start over, and find beauty in the little smudges and hang ups.
the process of becoming me is so much more important than having a picture perfect life. i need to let go of a perceived destination and simply let myself unfold.
a girl and her brush 
It’s TOTALLY about the process! I love messy drips, messy edges, half-finished pieces, new directions. I love the happy chaos.
Very well said. Bravo!
So true, Wendy! As an artist who started out in scrapbooking, I find it challenging sometimes to step outside of that genre, where one always feels obligated to create pages with “correct” design elements, perfectly matching color schemes, straight lines and edges, and coordinating embellishments. Art journaling has, in many ways, released me from following those rules, although sometimes I still struggle with letting go, with ignoring my ingrained instincts. Your paintings are always so inspiring to me, because each one stretches beyond boundaries, and reminds me that the most beautiful thing about this kind of art is its inherent spontaneity–and yes, even imperfection. In art journaling, the one rule is that there are no rules, which for me, is scary but also wonderfully freeing.