Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Book Guild - Chapter 12


Welcome to the fourth edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. Nearly 150 artists have answered a list of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented as a series of online and print projects. Secret Sunday was the first project and the links to all the secrets can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The Book Guild is the second project and Chapter 12 starts right now!


All artists participating in The Pulse were asked to name their favorite art books. The Book Guild will present this list, along with links, book reviews, giveaways, and interviews with many of your favorite authors. And as members of The Guild, I am hoping YOU will participate by leaving comments related to the books in each post - for example thoughts, book reviews, personal experiences, or a link back to your own blog posts that include artwork based on a project in the listed book.
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Chapter 12: Linda Woods

Journal Revolution: Rise Up & Create! Art Journals, Personal Manifestos and Other Artistic Insurrections

Rachel Whetzel listed Journal Revolution: Rise up & Create! Art Journals, Personal Manifestations and Other Artistic Insurrections by Linda Woods and Karen Dinino as one of her favorites and as one of her biggest inspirations.

We are lucky to have Linda share some personal thoughts about the book and the revolution!

The Beginning Of A Revolution

It seems like I can't do one thing without it leading to two other things. When I think about the time when we were working on Journal Revolution it is hard not to think of the other revolutions it started. My sister, Karen, and I started working on Journal Revolution in 2005 but we'd been thinking about it even before we started Visual Chronicles. It was really important for us to share our philosophy that art is really about self-expression and not about supplies. We wanted people to understand that the way they lived their lives and that everything around them was part of their truth- part of their art -and that they could express that with whatever they already had. Somehow in the last twenty years art became about using just the "right" supplies or following a certain pattern. People were losing their individuality and their voice and we wanted to bring that back! And, we wanted to help take the fear our of the process for people who needed the guidance.


Visual Chronicles and Journal Revolution are all about putting YOU in your art, and finding the most authentic way to to that. Seeing, feeling, meeting, knowing yourself --- it all involves reflection, and coming to terms with, or battle with, or to peace with who you see when you look in the mirror. That is what you will see when you create, one way or the other.

One battle we came to terms with when the books were in production and once they came out was from craft stores that did not want to sell the book. Our books did not fit the mold of typical how-to or craft books because we were not telling readers they had to BUY anything to create art or express themselves. And when we did suggest products for people to buy, they were often inexpensive and non-archival, which angered many of the people who believed the secret to "perfect" art lies in acid-free glue. Our belief is that the secret to any art is to express yourself with whatever you feel like using to capture a moment. You are the boss of your own art. There is no right way to do it. We learned quickly in an era of commercialized cookie-cutter arts and crafts kits, we were fighting an uphill battle in that market.


The more we were challenged, the more we wanted to keep going. We were on a mission to free the artist in everyone! When craft stores rejected us, traditional book stores welcomed us. When we were not being supported by our publisher, our Art Army helped us spread our message. Whenever there was a negative, there was a positive. We were inspired by so many people who made art for the first time, people who learned how to choose colors based on their moods, people who were inspired by their own lives, artists who had forgotten what they already knew. It was liberating!

While we were teaching people, we learned a lot about ourselves and persevering in the process. We spent a lot of time traveling and meeting the people who were becoming artists with Visual Chronicles and Journal Revolution as their guides. The Journal Revolution progressed to the next step -- another book and a new revolution. A revolution with even fewer art supplies and braver self-expression!

We had confirmed that constant self awareness creates great art, that great art is simple self expression, and that when you talk honestly with people about what is really going on in their lives, their hearts, their imaginations, we are all so much alike. So, we went to the most frightening canvas there is--the mirror. And we brought simple truth before it to create perfect art.

Visual Chronicles and Journal Revolution are both out of print now but Linda sells signed books in her etsy shop and both Visual Chronicles and Journal Revolution can also be found on Amazon.

In addition, Linda and Karen's Revolution continues with Meeting In The Ladies Room: A Reflection Of Women In A Room Of Their Own. Click here for more information and to purchase their newest book.

And visit Linda on her blog mixing the media of life and art.



GIVEAWAY


Linda has generously offered to give away a copy of her book Journal Revolution to one lucky reader of The Altered Page. You know the drill. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. Comments will close next Saturday July 3. The winner will be posted next Sunday July 4 as part of the next post for The Book Guild. Good luck!

55 comments:

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Wow, Seth. I want to win this book, but I see I'm number one in the comments. Why do I want to win? Because I have the exact same philosophy. I would love to teach my art, but the scrapbook stores wouldn't want me, now would the ones that sell "altered art" supplies. My supplies are anything I can find around me, including things that come out of dumpsters. I've never been anal for archival and have made a few scrapbookers displeased as a result of that. I applaud Linda for her book and her philosophy.

Chelsea O'Neil - Make Special Productions said...

I'm so stoked about this book! I spent an afternoon at the bookstore and wasn't able to find anything I was excited about...I need it! I want it! I've gotta have it! Please? :)

Svetlana said...

It would be great to have such a great book. What a nice thoughts about "perfect page". It is notabout impressing someone but to have to express yourself. I really would love to read this book and even if I don't win I will be getting it from Linda's shop.

Kimber said...

I loved Visual Chronicles...it really helped me "free" myself and crwate! My art and my journals are anything but mainstream so Visual Chronicles was very welcome in my world! Would love to see Journal Revolution and learn all about the revolution!
Thanks Linda for the giveaway and Seth for hosting!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book - art is SO not about expensive materials - it's about intent.

lyle baxter said...

seth, a great interview!fortunately when I went from sewing back to painting I felt free to use what I liked, when I liked it and how I liked it! and the first true teacher I took a class from,Lynne Perrella, emphasises use what you have, no party hats ,no expensive gimmicks! I would love to have one of the books and will buy one somewhere if I dont win! thanks for the good sunday am read! lyle

Gwen Buchanan said...

We can never wait for Validation we just need to do it..

...you did and that is what creating is all about!!! Good to see...

Cheryl Connell said...

Did you say books? Count me in please!

Cheryl

elle said...

oh, WOW! I've never heard anything like this. How absolutely liberating for a scaredy cat. I'd like to experience thatkind of artistic flow. Please put me down for a 'wanna win'!!!

ArtPropelled said...

Yes please! ..... count me in. I like the sound of fewer art supplies and braver self expression.

Sharmon Davidson said...

Great post, Seth! I really enjoyed reading the interview and finding out about the "birth pangs" of the book. I applaud Linda for not selling out!

Maureen said...

A wonderful read. I had not been aware of this book. It takes a marvelous approach to art-making.

Anne Marie - Toronto said...

Ooooh! I love draws and also using up what I have. I hadn't heard of this book, but will watch for it if I don't win. You can reach me at amdesaulniers(at)rogers(dot)com

Lelainia N. Lloyd said...

Here's to having a vision and believing in yourselves. Clearly, it was the brave thing to do as you were on the road less travelled at the time.

Visual Chronicles paved the way for self expression and that's why I made sure it was on the shelves of my local library. (As you know Linda, I've been quietly building the mixed media section for years.)

Dawn said...

what a wonderful post by Linda! And 100% true. I think I read Journal Revolution cover to cover in a bookstore..but never bought it!

Susan said...

Journal Revolution changed my life. How dramatic...I know. I was able to create through art journaling what had been locked inside of me for years. LOVE altered art and give Journal Revolution as gifts often trying to get everyone to join the Revolution Army.

Mrs Pretzel said...

Obviously, I don't need to win this book, because I OWN it, but I just wanted to say YAY for a great interview with an AWESOME lady!! Thanks for diving deeper into your original posts!! I look forward to more from other artist's inspirations!!

Karin Bartimole said...

That was a great story - so interesting to learn about the marketing madness out there, and so fabulous to see there are advocates out there supporting true artful expression. Anyone at any time can create - the Revolution sure sounds like it helps to guide and free that true artist spirit from one and all! Very cool post - thanks Seth! and woohoo on the give away for this out of print gem :)

Sandy said...

I own the book too as well as her other two books. They are wonderful books. If you don't win you can go and buy one in her Etsy shop. Journal Revolution is the first book I bought before starting art journaling. I fell in love with it. Linda and Karen are both such wonderful women and so very talented.

Thanks Seth for the great interview and thanks Linda for sharing your words with us.

Lisa H. said...

I'm sorry to hear it's out of print but I would love a copy of my own! Thanks for the generous giveaway!

Maj said...

Oh yes! This book is high up on my wish list.

Kirsten said...

This is a great website and I look forward to reading more! I'm crossing my fingers hoping I'm the lucky winner of an awesome book!

Linda Woods said...

Thanks for all the sweet comments and support :)

Angie Platten said...

Wow, what a great give away! Looks like lots of eye candy in store for the lucky winner... which, I hope, will be me! Need that inspiration!

Jennifer DeDonato said...

I would love to win this wonderful book!Fingers crossed!!

Curio said...

I had not heard of Linda Woods before but after reading this post her words will stay with me for quite awhile. I would love to win her book and delve deeper into her thoughts.

Monica said...

oh i was just blogging about the whole copy-cat journal thing going on... where has authentic journaling gone. i would really love this book to read their take on it. please count me in.

annell4 said...

I loved your site and will come again. Thank you.

Bill said...

It seems like all of the books I've seen lately are written by women. I'd love this book, but maybe I should be writing a book that says men journal, too! We've got stuff going on in our heads that it would help to work out through a journal. I think men are even more hung up on stuff, because it's harder for us to talk about it. Oh my! I think I've already said too much.

Bill

Linda said...

I own and love Visual Chronicles but would love to get my hands on Journal Revolution! Great interview.

Rebeca Trevino said...

Thanks for a great interview Seth. And Linda, thanks for a great give-away.

deb said...

Like many here I make art from non-art stuff, and I have recently started teaching kids this process which I am totally enjoying and I am really grateful to the organization that is supporting this idea of creative process not products. So I would love this book, preaching to the choir as they say, but since I never win I guess I am adding it to my gift list.

angela said...

ooh, i want :D
also, the idea that stores didn't want to sell the books because they wouldn't sell something ELSE with it is ridiculous!

Joanie Hoffman said...

This is a book I've looked at, but never in. My loss, until now, reading Linda's words. It would be my pleasure to own this book, and definitely my benefit.
Thanks for the words & the giveaway.
Happy days,
Joanie

Indigo said...

what a brilliant outlook! have just *discovered* art journaling and realized how much fun it is, and also how satisfying. the self-expression is the key!! pure happiness in that!

Tracee said...

I've learned so much from y'all. I'm trying to introduce journaling and mixed media processes to our local scrapbook store and hope to become an instructor. A signed copy would send me over the moon!

Penny said...

Dont win things but would love this book, I need a new direction.

Kathleen Harrington said...

Seth, you are such a wealth of resources. Thanks for posting these notes from Linda Woods. It's so easy to go down that current trend path. This article reminded me to keep it real. Some of my most satisfying art-making adventures include supplies like toilet paper, old electronics parts, pictures of people I love, little bits of left over scraps of just about anything. I would be thrilled to win the book, too.

anne frederique ferret said...

une petite merveille....
bravo!
souvenirs d'hier et de demain... toutes les couleurs de l'arc en ciel...
j'aime cet ouvrage... merci Linda!

af ferret said...

anne frederique ferret...
bravo Linda...

Create With Joy said...

Wow, Seth, I'm so glad I stopped by today - the author's comments on art SO resonated with me! This is exactly what I feel art should be and what I strive for / struggle with as I try to get all of the internal / external critic voices outside of my head every time I sit down to create. I really love the wonderful works you introduce on your site. I hope I win but I agree with the others before me - if I don't, this would be one I would want to look for anyway!

Ramona
http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

NANCY LEFKO said...

Oooo...comments close on my birthday...that MUST be good luck :) Thanks for this great post and the chance to win!

Coffee Messiah said...

Always an interesting read on the books and people you highlight.

I keep reading, and putting paper aside.

Looking into alternatives, of anything and everything before I dive in. Why I haven't yet, is intimidation.

From what? Not sure, but as each year goes by, I distance myself from my past (not many positive strokes) and know this is the reason.

Getting closer though, I hope.

Thanks 4 the chance! Cheers!

Natasha said...

I'm crossing my fingers, what a fantastic book. Than you for the chance to win.

Evangeline said...

Please count me in for the draw! Would love to have this book!

lisa_crofts said...

i would love to win this book i have borrowed it from the library but would love to own a copy

Miki Willa said...

I would love to have a copy of this book. I am a believer in the less is more school of art materials. Please enter my name in the give-away. Thank you for your generosity.

Ceparie said...

Your blog is a pleasure to read. You always provide such fun and inspirational topics (like where you got your hands) and I especially appreciate the book reviews. The art I have made that I ended up most happy with were the pieces that just "fell into place" you know, karma-like, as if it were meant to be. When I don't overthink the process and just let it happen my subconscious must be ore powerful than I realize). Linda's book could help me explore this more and I appreciate a chance to win it.

Val Foster said...

I applaud and agree with Linda in her approach to art. But the self-reflection part can be a bit scary.

Anonymous said...

fantastic post! both of those books have been on my wish list, and are on my powell's bookstore "alert me" list as i've wanted them for quite some time. fantastic and inspirational interview! thanks so much!

Dieverdog said...

Your art and your philosophy are both great! And I am so lucky to have gotten the chance to work with you and have some of your work on my walls at home! This reminds me that I need to get back to journaling more and do art daily! You are SO inspiring!
Pam

Gaby Bee said...

Thanks for this generous giveaway! I would love to have a copy of this book.
Please count me in!

Glenda said...

Good luck to all who have left Seth a comment.
I was one of the lucky ones from last giveaway and am so thrilled with the book I received. And this one too would make a wonderful addition to my collection of fabulous books by fabulous authors

eebeads.com said...

Sounds like the book I've been looking for! Just started art journaling and need some inspiration. Thanks for hosting the contest!

Anonymous said...

Great post, I hadn't heard of "Journal Revolution" until now, so I'm glad I checked your blog today! And you're having a giveaway, again... sweet!

--Mina