Saturday, February 21, 2009

Donna Downey $5 Journal







Donna Downey has a great little journal download for $5 and it was fun to do. It wasn't hard but it sure took me a long time to fill these pages ---and--- I think I had fun. The problem with me and these types of visual art journal pages is this: for 25 years I have been striving for a beautifully layed-out and designed, hand- lettered calligraphic art piece. Calligraphy is an ancient art form and although some calligraphers are artists---some are not. There are some very talented calligraphy and lettering artists in this world that I greatly admire. Some use mixed media but they don't call themselves a mixed-media artist--they call themselves a lettering artist. Charles Pearce and John Stevens are two of my most admired lettering artists. I took a class with Charles Pearce.

So, all that being said, this type of journaling goes against the very core of my calligraphic training that I have been striving for for 25 years and it is very hard to free myself up and journal this way. BUT, all the wonderful artists and teachers like Pam Carriker, and Pam Garrison and Teesha Moore among others who teach this type of journaling are just as much an artist themselves as the calligraphers that I admire. I just need to give myself permission to do it.
Jump on out of that box, Martha!!!

13 comments:

Gifts of Creation said...

Martha, this is so wonderful!!! How long did it take you to fill the pages? What will you do with it? I love the idea of art journaling but I guess my "box" is that somehow art has to have a purpose.....it can be just for fun!! Anyway, did you check my answer on my blog post? I would love to be your guinea pig for the class!!

Teresa aka Tess said...

Martha, This journal is absolutely gorgeous. I see so much of your style in it with the lettering of the words, and the wonderful coments to yourself. I so better understand the calligrapher and the lettering artist just by meeting you. Job well done with this and thanks for letting us all know about this download. Fun! Fun! I think you did a wonderful jobbing jumping outside the box for yourself. :-)

Thelma-Art said...

So beautiful, and enchanting, I love all its pages. :)

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

It's beautiful!!! You did a fantastic job breaking out of that box! Do you have the link to Donna's website/blog?

Mellisa said...

Those are just stunning journals!

lori vliegen said...

this turned out great, martha!! and, i know exactly what you mean about our structured calligraphic background...which is probably why i haven't yet gotten around to doing my $5 donna downey download that i purchased two weeks ago! you took a giant leap out of your box...you go! :)

Carol Sloan said...

I downloaded the same class! Your use of color is wonderful. I love the playfulness of your pages. Very good job Martha!

Jane Farr said...

Your journal is beautiful Martha!! Your lettering strong as ever. I never would have guessed you struggled with allowing yourself to do this type of work. Glad to see you threw off whatever snare was holding you back, because it is great work!!!

Mary said...

Hi Martha, the journal book is beautiful. Each page is wonderful. Love you lettering in it. How are you classes with Karyn Gartel going?? I enjoyed visiting your blog.
Blessings.

Shelley Malone said...

I downloaded the same class, but first I'm doing her "recycled pages" project - that's the class that she offers free. So far so good. I LOVE your pages, the colours are stunning. Thanks for sharing this with us, Martha!

Fannie said...

This journal is excellent, Martha! Bravo!!!!!!

I don't think you're in a box anymore. Congrats. I understand your 25 years. I struggle with the same.

Keep doing what you're doing.

Persida Silva said...

Martha Hello friend, come visit him in order to wish you a beautiful day and best wishes and congratulations for the beautiful things you do. Come visits me when you want. Love's friend Persia Silva

Unknown said...

Jump! Jump! his turned out great.

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