It has been said many times before, all of artist’s work are self portraits. We did a series of self portraits at Orly Avineri’s latest art journaling group. Here are mine. January is a good time to look inward and look at ourselves.
I recently turned 50 years old, and I am also reaching the end of this Moleskine Journal, it is 11.5 X 16.5 inches. It is HUGE, it has gotten very heavy with use, some of the pages stick together and the binding is broken, I am going to glue it back together. It will not close, it sticks open about six inches. It is like a warm wonderful friend always there for me. It is interesting my two Maine Coon cats love to sit upon it when it is out and open. I think they enjoy feeling the love that comes from within it. I usually work on one page and one of my cats sits on the other page, very closely. My journal is so much an extension of myself and my growth. This whole journal is what I think of as my awakening. My becoming who I want to be.
Brian,
Love your work, love your words…it is nice to become who you want to be. I have such a hard time with journals, so many different styles, and views on them.it is hard to stay focused. How did you make journalling a natural extension of yourself? I love how the cats feel the love inside. So wonderful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your art.
P.S. Brian, Happy 5oth Birthday!!!!
Ivy
I love this piece Brian, and it has inspired me to do a self portrait in the next week. Thanks!
Some work on moleskin, some on birchbark, and some of us just can’t quite get to work on much of anything. Admire your talent and do wish you every happiness today..
I really like how you did your self portraits on a variety of paper and pages torn from old books, then glued into your big book. I’d love to see it… photo please?
Several years ago an artist posted a photo of his collection of sketchbooks and journals, all standing on 3 or 4 shelves of a bookcase, with the pages facing outward so you could see the wonderful journal pages. I’d do that, too, but then I could never find a particular journal. It was decidedly cool, though, and inspiring to see how much work he had done in his books… like I’m inspired by your work.
I wish I could hold this beautiful journal of yours and see it with my own eyes! roxanne
Happy birthday Brian!! These pages are so womderful. They no doubt capture many of the parts of you!! Would love to see a shot of your whole journal.
Hi Brian. I love your art journals.I checked out orly’s blog and I know you have taken her class.I love it and would like to know if you or orly ever come out to phoenix and teach out here.It is hard for me to travel so that would be great for you to teach here.I love your work!
These pages are intense, vivid, just amazing. I really should consider some self-portraits, but it is really scary!
Hey Brian!
So Good to hear from you! Play was awesome and it was wonderful to meet you and see your journal full of rich layers, colors and meaning. Thanks for sharing your work! Congratulations on Journalfest! Woohoo! It will be fun to see you there! I love your description of your cats keeping the other half of your book warm. My cats would definitely do that if I had a journal that big! And isn’t it wonderful to grow into more who you feel you are? : ) High Five! See you in October!