The How to Create Your Own Visual Journal workshop is a hands-on, emotionally process-oriented three hours wherein you record life’s experiences into a tangible expression of your ideas, insights, torment, joy and all the feelings that come and go for us everyday into a book format.

A visual journal is a container, an escape hatch and a space designated to hold what wants to be seen, heard and written without sharing it with others, using proper punctuation or having it graded. It is for you and you alone to rely upon as one of the arrows in your quiver of self-care resources, or you may approach the making of it for just plain ol’ fun!

the artist’s hand

Unlike a sketchbook, diary, or scrapbook, a visual journal emphasizes self discovery and empower you to make your own choices without measuring that choice against anything or anyone. There is no right or wrong. You will not be sharing what you write or create with others and I will not be walking around oohing and awing over participant work. This removal of expectations and judgment from the visual journal experience assists in disarming your “inner critic”.

To begin, each participant is provided with a variety of art materials, a notebook, ephemera, writing implements, needle and thread, rubber stamps, stickers, essentially a bucketful of items you can glue, staple, or stitch into your visual journal. We start with my suggestions for writing prompts. One idea is that your artwork, the visual part of your journal, illuminates what you wrote, but it doesn’t have to. It’s your choice. Everything is your choice.

freedom to play

Once we have our written responses to either my suggested prompts, or you may create your own prompts, then we will hunker down into our sandbox and play. Play with the art materials, experiment with collage, swish and spill watercolor, scribble pastels, colored pencils and ink blocks, or however you want or need in order to return to that child-like spirit of doing something for the sheer enjoyment of it. No art experience necessary at all!

passing through the gates of art and writing as healers and truth tellers

You’ve now been initiated into the community of visual journalers and where you go along this path is up to you. I am here as a resource, facilitator and/or encouraging force to support you wherever you aim to travel. Get lost in it or chart your course. I am here for all of it and offer this one piece of wisdom; entertain the possibility that there is no end goal in this endeavor. It is all about the journey, not the destination. Play the long game and make the attempt to remain curious about yourself rather than judge what shows up.

who is this workshop for?

Anyone interested in the combination of art and writing, self-exploration or simply fooling around with stuff and collecting it into one 3-dimensional vessel. But think middle school students and older, young adults, groups of folks struggling for one reason or another, OR think of it as an activity for fun and for a shared experience to enhance a meeting, reunion or a staff team building event. Or, think birthday celebration or girls-night-out!

Workshops can be catered to whatever needs are appropriate to the group and within any period of time. Follow up workshops are also available. Contact Kathi through the form below for pricing and Zoom or in-person options.