Why art journal?

I was never very good at keeping a written journal-- I would be intimidated by the lines on the page, and worried that I couldn't fill them up with meaningful prose.  I guess that's why I never considered blogging about my journalling either.  Trying to use words to describe the process and reasons for my sketchbooks is really difficult.  But here it goes anyways:

What are the reasons you keep an art journal, Stephanie?

1. I find using color and shape less limiting than words.  I'm not a great wordsmith, so I would rather draw my meaning.  Or create music about it.

2. I get to learn and try out new techniques in my books.  The smaller format is great for trying a little bit of watercolors; or a small amount of decoupage.

3. My journal allows me to do something creative everyday.  I can't work on my big pieces everyday. Sometimes i get tired just thinking about some of the pieces I should finish, but you know how it is...

4. My journal is a mini portfolio of my work and my photography.  Its a great example of the art I make.

5. I can't screw it up.  And I'm not even afraid that I might.  Art rocks.

6.  Its a great conversation piece.  I've met some great artists by sharing my work with them.

7. Its a visual representation of my life.  A pages tells me exactly what I was feeling that day.  No censorship there.

I am very interested to know why other artists keep art journals...  Why do you keep one?

Roc-pras! (or more appropriately, My New Obsession with Concept Albums)

What is a good way to use up an entire Saturday?  Go through your CD collection looking for concept albums!  Ok, not that good a use of a weekend, but its what I did.  And I'm hooked.  I could listen to these things ALL THE TIME.  They are like little musicals in plastic cases.

I have a lot of CDs.  Certainly more than any normal person.  This has to do with various jobs in record stores; as well as some malfunction in my brain that justifies buying CDs with the dregs of my bank account.

Which concept albums do I have?  What do I think of them?  Well, I'm glad you asked blog o' mine!  Here they are in no particular order:

1. Davie Bowie- "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars"

Besides having my love for long titles, this album rocks.  Like feathers and sequins? Check.  Crazy feathered mullets? Got it.  Like matching concert DVDs? Of course you do.  Have some weird crush on David Bowie that continues to this day? You bet.  Its all totally here.   Bonus: Hate those pesky happy endings? This one ends with the depressing ballad "Rock N' Roll Suicide"!

2. Pink Floyd- "Dark Side of the Moon"

Does anyone know if this ACTUALLY syncs up with The Wizard of Oz? Even if it doesn't it still rocks.  AND it doesn't creep me out like "The Wall."

3. Styx- "Kllroy was Here"

Anyone know why I own a Styx album?  If you do, please email me the details.

4. Queensryche- "Operation: Mindcrime"

I bought this cause I thought it would be like 1984 but in rock opera form.  It wasn't.  I think its about an ex-assassin waking from a coma.  Funny enough, I couldn't name you another Queensryche album.

5. Marilyn Manson- "Antichrist Superstar"

Nightmares.

6. Green Day- "American Idiot"

Wants to see the play on Broadway. Loves Billie Joe Armstrong.  Can't use pronouns.



7. Arcade Fire- "The Suburbs"

I remember hearing the song "Ready to Start" and saying to my friend that I didn't like it.  When asked why, I said "well, it never really begins, it wants to... Oh.  I guess that's the point."  Sometimes I come to understandings slowly.