An art journal is a safe place to process emotions. Working creatively, brings healing and helps us move forward. We lost our grown up son a few months ago and I can honestly say that I enjoyed creating his journal page. In this ‘How To’ I show you some of the steps you might take, to journal your loss.
Collect Memorabilia - When we cleared my mum’s house, I came away with a big bag of memorabilia, cards, recipes, patterns, letters and notes. For Mat’s page, I collected plant and garden sketches, copies of his own art work and tributes from friends.
Sort and Select - Find joy and thankfulness in the tears as you sort through your collection. Select the things that catch your eye and put the rest to one side.
Prepare the Page - It’s a good idea to cover some of the blank page first. Try journaling about your loved one, stencilling patterns or making marks.
Create with Collage - I might place a few collage items to see how the page will look but I prefer sticking as I go. This gives more of a spontaneous result and keeps me moving.
Build up the Layers - Add paint or any other media, to build up the story of the life you want to celebrate. Think of the things they loved to do and the times you shared together for inspiration.
No Rules - Your grief, your memories, your page - there are no rules. It can be raw and unfinished like the poem above or refined and pictorial.
A Life Lived Well - My journal page from start to finish.
When you suffer the loss of a loved one, create a page of memories to cherish.
There may be sadness along the way but I hope, like me, you will find joy and thankfulness.