I’m delighted to tell you there will be a second book! In late 2013, North Light will publish The Hero’s Art Journal: Mixed Media Conversations with Your Inner Critic. Meanwhile, here’s information about Raw Art Journaling:
What’s the book about? Raw Art Journaling is about journaling for soul-deep satisfaction whether or not you are experienced in keeping a journal. Whether or not you know how to draw. To see the book in action, go to the “Raw Art Gallery” Page and watch T.J. Goerlitz, an American artist living in Germany, try out some techniques!
Why did you call it Raw-Art Journaling: Making Meaning, Making Art?
Raw art is art you love because it comes from your own life source, the place in your heart where you make meaning
in life. A lot of times, when we draw, the image on paper doesn’t look on paper like it does in “real life.” I had the idea that if we drew what was in our heart, soul, or gut, we couldn’t go wrong. What happened on the paper would be satisfying.
And the “Making Meaning” part?
I believe we don’t find meaning in life, we make meaning. We make meaning when we sit with ourselves and write or draw what is important to us. It doesn’t have to be perfect, or beautiful, or whimsical. It must be true for us. Powerful to us. This art comes, not from a kit, but from the lovely, angry, hopeful, snarky, kind places within us. Seeing it is always a relief and always lovable, whether or not we show it to others. Raw art journaling is intensely personal. Intensely rich and worth exploring. It is a GPS for your journey.
Do you have exercises for writing and drawing?
For me, journaling is about exploring answers to the age-old questions, “Who am I?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” I believe we discover those answers through writing and making art. Art can be many things–but it is the creative exploration that connects your heart to your brain. There are many journal prompts in the book. Unusual ones. Different ones. Ones that admit to anger and revenge, glory and satisfaction. So yes, the book taps into your creativity, using writing and art-making.
Are there projects?
Oh, yes, there are 47 projects to try out. And a lot of suggestions to get you started. My hope is that the book will be a way for many people to get started journaling and discover their own authenticity, their own power, their own way to heal their life.
It sounds like a book for beginners. Is it?
I hear this question a lot. It is for beginners in the sense that when we are in “beginners mind” we are set for discovery and exploration. We can be in that mindset even if we are experienced artists.
Who did you write this book for?
For everyone who wants more from creative work—people who aren’t sure they have enough talent, people who have tried kits and find that they aren’t satisfying anymore, people who want to tap into their own creativity without needing a lot of equipment. This book is about emotional development as much as artistic development. I’m not an illustrator, and I am willing to be in the beginning spot each time I go to the studio. Join me there, and we will discover together!
Here’s what L. Darby said about the book: “Some books are like cotton candy but this one is more like an entree: substantial yet tasty!”
