At the beginning of the year I started a journal for favourite poems, quotes and thoughts. I call it my stillness journal. It has become quite important to me though it really isn't anything special on the outside (but that will change when the time is right). On the inside however, it is exactly the way I want it. I'm filling it with poems and quotes that make my heart leap in recognition. Recognition of my thoughts and ideas about life that I have difficulty expressing in my own words. I don't want it to be a book that I'm afraid to write in. It has lines because crooked poems would worry me. I use pencil rather than pen and it's the sort of book that I can jot down comments in the margin without feeling that I'm spoiling the pristine pages. Leslie sent me an envelope of "scraps" from her studio. Leslie's scraps are my treasure and they beautify my journal.
I've been noticing many journals that would be beautiful for sheltering poems in. I love Lotta Helleberg's journals. Treat yourself to an interview with Lotta here . You won't be disappointed!
"And I have always wanted to write about everything. That does not mean to write a book that covers everything -- which would be impossible. But a book into which everything can go. A book with a little of everything that creates itself out of everything. That has its own life. A faithful book. I no longer look at it as a "book"." - Thomas Merton
(Thanks Shawna Lemay)
India Flint mentioned a workshop being taught in Scotland by Sandra Brownlee in August. TACTILE NOTEBOOKS. It sounds wonderful! Click here to read more about it.
a beautiful thing to do Robyn - precious and personal. A delicious selection of journals...
ReplyDeleteThere are thousands of delicious journal pages! So much to see, so little time :-)
DeleteI wondered how long before a book of your own would appear. I love the idea as I love my own books and always seem to be working on one.
ReplyDeleteSlowly, very slowly the knee and my body are recovering, I have no doubt before I know it will be back to walking, but it is so slow!
Penny, I can imagine how frustrating it must be. Slowly, slowly...
DeleteA beautiful idea and your journal looks wonderful. Personally I love the simplicity of the cover and the bindings as much as I love the richness of the content. And you featured part of my favorite Mary Oliver poem! Also, thank you for mentioning my books. I am honored to be included - and in such great company!
ReplyDeleteLotta, I'm delighted to have you visiting my blog. You have many followers gaging your pins on Pinterest.
DeleteJust looking at these journals makes my heart go pitty patter. What inspiration they would be to make marks in them or just to hold one and contemplate. Aaahhhhhh.
ReplyDeleteYes I know the pitty patter feeling :-)
DeleteFor your journal I see a thin piece of wood carved. Yes, I have a book with a carved cover. I could see one of your amulet ladies on the front. That would be fabulous.
ReplyDeleteNow you have the cogs turning in my brain!
DeleteOh wowee!!! something I've started recently is making little art journally books...... great way of recycling too!
ReplyDeleteLittle art journally books sound good :-)
DeleteRobyn - what a beautiful idea. I love quotes and poems -- your book is such an inspiration. Thank your for sharing.
ReplyDeletexxoo
Thanks Judy. I started keeping poems in a file on my computer but a book works better for me, especially during the many power failures we have here.
Deletenice post. been making my own journals (blank) for years, even selling them. one time i used some monoprints i made for covers. they were beautiful if i do say so myself. these books are inspiring and beautiful. thanks
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of monoprint covers. Glad you did say so yourself :-)
Deleteit's always enriching to see the books made by other folks, for poems like yours or for whatever one wishes. lotta's are lovely, as are leslie's, *dot* is a special friend, and susan is making lovely books, too. miklos, ward, and elizabeth are all new to me, many thanks, robyn, because i now have new work to explore!
ReplyDeleteVelma, I'm happy I could introduce a book maker to new artists. Enjoy!
DeleteThere is something sacred about a beautiful book - particularly one that is handmade and filled with personal thoughts. I have several journals - each one dedicated to its own purpose - one for prayers, one for inspirations, one for ranting :) etc.
ReplyDeleteStarr, I have a pile of journals for quotes but this is my first journal for poetry. What took me so long?! I'm smiling at the "ranting".
DeleteI want a ranting book too, now!!!!!
DeleteI rant in notebooks and then tear out the pages in case someone reads them.
DeleteRobyn, All of these books are stunning. I could not write in any of them! I will be very busy, later checking out all these links. I too have a book I put poems and quotes in, it is 20 years old and it comforts me in times of sadness. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThey are certainly a comfort, Annie. A great way to start the day.
DeleteA trove of treasures, as always...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Anna.
Deletei've loved watching Lotta's work blossom since we first met back in 2010. and as usual you've given lots of good links to lead me sideways from the path...
ReplyDeleteyour readers might like to know about a class being taught in Scotland very soon by the wonderful Sandra Brownlee
ww.surfacedesign.org/events/sandra-brownlee-masterclass-tactile-notebooks
I think I found Lotta's website through your blog, India. Thanks too for the link to the Tactile Notebook workshop. If my ancestors hadn't plonked me in South Africa I might have been able to attend :-)
DeleteAh, such peaceful beauty. And why didn't I think of that!? Such wonderful inspiration. My quotes and things that stir me are scattered throughout many journals, simply going into the one I am keeping at the time, but how wonderful to keep them together and make them a work of art (and readily accessible) Also something for a loved one to keep after we are gone. I am so starting one of these! And as always thanks for the delicious links!
ReplyDeleteFor years I kept jotted quotes and poems all over the place but it makes a big difference being able to find them in one place.
DeleteWhat an impressive collection of journals. Yours tho' is heartfelt and soooooo special. I occasionally write haikus (not very well) and would love to make a journal in which to keep them. Might do.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea to keep your haiku in a journal Jo. It will probably encourage you to write more too.
Deleteah... so wonderful - all of it! thank you, robyn! xoxo
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post Lynne. xoxo
Deleteaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh.........thank you......I was blessed to be in India's workshop with Lotta in 2010....what a gift of inspiration
ReplyDeleteI would have loved that workshop!Besides learning so much it would have been great to meet you all.
DeleteLovely Robyn, it is already a very special book. I know it will be a treasure when you are done.
ReplyDeleteGwen, my journals often peter out but I'm trying to keep this one as laid back as possible so that it's easy just to jot things down.
DeleteWonderful... I realize that I always find your posts to be full of wonderful texture. I love the poetic title of your book, too.. A Book for Sheltering Poems... beautiful. So many wonderful journals. Love that Mary Oliver poem, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerianna, I go through phases of Mary Oliver and at the moment I'm rereading her poems and so enjoying them. I never tire of her poetry.
Delete"At the beginning of the year" ... seems like yesterday, and yet. :)
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely.
Enjoyed the interview with Lotta.
The word "sheltering" makes me think of the poets, not the poems; those artists who could have used emotional and physical shelter from political violence --
a very beautiful way to honor attention through time.
Before we know it Christmas will be here!
DeleteYour comments are often food for thought, M. Art is a way of sheltering from life when it becomes overwhelming for whatever reason. What would we do with out it?!
Thanks for your comment on my blog about the annual duiker shoot. I am not sure what a duiker is though!
ReplyDeleteI love that journal and the idea behind it and i do agree with you that pencil is the best medium - it has to be informal and it has to accommodate all kinds of thoughts. I could fill one in no time, although I am sure it is best to add only the ones that really mean something. Lovely idea.
Weaver, a duiker is a small buck. I was not too enamoured with the idea of the annual shoot .... though I didn't complain too much when sampling the biltong a few weeks later.
Delete(Biltong is cured meat .... a South African treat)
a lovely practice... and the word sheltering reminds me of harbor, safe and near the heart... magnificent journals... all....
ReplyDelete"safe and near the heart".... my thoughts go directly to your journals, Cat.
DeleteWhat a delightful ramble and wander Robyn - so many lovely diversions and beautiful work. I love the notion of sheltering poems and think Leslie's scraps are to die for! Enjoy your scribbling and more...
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling.... Leslie's scraps are indeed to die for!
DeleteWhat a stunning collection. I would love to hold it all in my hands. Enjoy your book -- shelter many thoughts and poems.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kim. To actually hold each of these journals would be wonderful.
Deleteeach one a gem!! wonderful post xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanne. I enjoyed doing the post. xoxo
DeleteYou have allowed 'stillness' to direct you in so many beautiful ways and this journal is exquisite...love your handwriting and as you said notes in the margins. Waiting for the cover although this one works perfectly too! The other photos are a gift for the eyes as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary Ann, it's most unusual for me to remember my chosen word for so long, but it was obviously the right choice because it is still with me.
DeleteGorgeous examples of sketchbooks and journals here. I imagine that your words and Leslie's 'scraps' make a beautiful duo.
ReplyDeleteLeslie's scraps inspire poetry :-)
DeleteHi Robyn: I like your idea to keep this journal informal. That seems to be a kind of invitation to be spontaneous, playful, or thoughtful. And as you say, we sometimes stop ourselves from using them if they feel too "important" or "precious". I have loads of journals like that!
ReplyDeleteAnd a journal to go with one's word for the year makes sense; they are like hand in glove.
Thank you for including my work, as it is an honor to be in an art propelled post! I have enjoyed following the links.
Yes, I think some artists "journals" are artworks in themselves. Lovely to look at and hold but too beautiful to spoil. The journals in this post (excluding mine)are artworks rather than casual journals but they inspire me.
ReplyDeleteRobyn you are the best curator of the wonderful art in the cyber sea!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mo.
DeleteYou have shared some wonderful journal books here... I am very excited to see that you have started a journal book of your favorite poetry and quotes with collage etc.. I have just written and collaged 2 journal books this year so far.. and published them too..isn't the art world we exist in wonderful?
ReplyDelete.... and how wonderful that I have been able to browse through your books on line.
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