Mara-Mi Origami Birds Journal
Last year I wrote about Louisiana fine artist Rebecca Rebouché. I was inspired by her work, and just as inspired by her creative process. In an interview with Anthology Magazine, Rebecca described her process of daily journaling. It’s like a vision board in words – she chronicles her vision, dreams, and goals in order to attract them to her.
I am a sucker for sketchbooks and journals. While I used to prefer lines that I could fill up with words, now I reach for expansive blank pages that house a variety of words, images, and sketches. But every now and then, I find a lined journal that I just can’t refuse. My current crush is the Mara-Mi Peony Origami Birds Journal
Detail View of One of My Abstract Paintings
I love the binding details and how it opens to lie flat. Since I have another lined journal for general use (processing my thoughts, outlining ideas, planning), I decided to make this one special. It’s my gratitude/vision journal. In it are my hopes, dreams, wishes, and thank yous. I write out descriptions of days and things yet to happen, a la Rebecca Rebouché, that I want to manifest in my own life.
The first time that I actually sat down and wrote out my ideal day was back in 2013 when I was working with Braid Creative. If you haven’t taken any of their ecourses, you should! Kathleen and Tara have put together a great worksheet about envisioning your ideal day and how you want to be spending your time. Apparently at some point I want to be spending summers at a beach house near New York City and working with museums and galleries on my own art exhibitions. This was something that I had written BEFORE I started taking abstract art classes and BEFORE I had a solo art show at a local Seattle boutique. Maybe I’m on my way.
Untitled Abstract Painting by Melanie Biehle, October 2014