Doodling to Distract – The “Art” of Visual Journaling
In my blog post last week, I discussed the benefits of creating art in an art therapy context. This week, I want to talk a little bit about the benefits of creating art on your own. I started keeping a visual journal in college. It was assigned to me by my favorite professor, and like any type-A, perfectionistic, overachieving, only child, I embraced the idea with gusto.
We were taught that visual journaling encouraged us to look closer, and more thoughtfully, at our artwork. Sometimes we were โpromptedโ to make art in our journal: Iโd like you to create a visual representation of your family this evening. Please try not to use human figures. Take some time with your visual journal to help you to de-stress from final exams this week…
Sometimes we were left to our own devices.This process was painstaking for me, at first. I was new to art therapy and had absolutely no idea how to make art quickly, automatically, and casually. For mostย artists, their workย is technical, intentional, and exact. There are rules. To be asked to complete an image in a few minutes is unrealistic. But this is how I approached my visual journal. I madeย each page technically sound, aesthetically balanced and beautiful.
I wasnโt engaging in โart therapy art.โ
What is Art Therapy Art?
The term โart therapy artโ comes up from time to time in the art therapist community. Itโs somewhat derogatory, becauseย it implies that art created in an art therapy context is different than “real” art. Different in a bad way. Less than. Other.
I disagree. I believe, passionately, that the art my clients and I create in session is rich. It has layer upon layer of meaning and intention, and that makes it just as valuable as any museum piece.
The purpose of art therapy art and keeping a visual journal is to encourage the artist to notice patterns, discover insight, and create some quiet serenity and order.ย The purpose is not to create a critically acclaimed and visually pleasing masterpiece..
The Art of Visual Journaling
This may shock you, but you donโt have to identify as an artist to make art.ย Think of working with your visual journal as โkeeping notes.โ Also remember that the content you put in your journal can incorporate any visual or written language. This couldย include: collage, song lyrics, scrapbooking, list-making, and scribbling.
Visual Journals Self-Soothe
Doodling is a wonderful way to distract an anxious mind. It gives you something to do with your hands, prevents you from saying nasty words out of frustration, and gives you a respite from toxic, ruminating thoughts. Keeping a visual journal in your purse or you bag is also an example of a โtransitional object,โ or a tool to help you feel more comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Visual Journals Reveal Patterns
My art teacher said, “You’ll find patterns in your art.” I rolled my eyes. I figured I already knew about any patterns in my thinking, and wasnโt going to discover anything I didnโt already know. I was wrong. Patterns donโt have to be complex, simply noticing the heaviness with which youโre using your material, or the rate at which youโre producing new content, can be a telling and introspective opportunity…
Visual Journals Detect Changes
Similarly, youโll notice life changes, stressors, and transitions reflected in your art. I save found grocery lists (Iโve got a thing for other peopleโs grocery lists), concert tickets, and brochures in my visual journal. As dumb as it sounds, when I flip through my visual journals Iโm reminded, โWow, I was busy this month. No wonder Iโm exhausted.โ Or, โIโm really grateful Iโve had so many new experiences this year. Iโve really branched out!โ
So Basically I’m My Own Art Therapist?
No. And this is sort of complicated, so I apologize. โArt as therapyโ is when an individual makes art independently, with goals like relaxation and personal expression. Just as you donโt need a therapist to ground or distract yourself, you donโt need an art therapist to practice โart as therapy.โ Art therapy pioneer, Edith Kramerย forwarded the concept that ย the act of art making is, in itself, therapeutic, theย product benefittingย the creator.
When an individual creates art alongside an art therapist, and works towards therapeutic goals, that is Art Therapy.ย An art therapist will prompt your creative process, move you out of your comfort zone, and help you to develop conclusions about both your art and your health. Taking visual notes in a journal is a bonus. I encourage you to help me take back the term โart therapy artโ and do some introspective creating of your own.
This is what I created today. How did you express yourself?
All visual journal art created by author Jessica Kimmel
___________________________________________________________________
Would You Like to Take the Next Step and Get Help?
Toll Free. Confidential
616.202.3326
