While out exploring instagram a few months ago, I came across this amazing person who was sharing her vibrant art that revolved around her divorce. I immediately started following @divorce.art.heal because her work resonated so deeply with me. 

Eventually, I reached out to her to dig a little deeper into who she is and what her story is. I’m so glad I did, and I’m excited to introduce you to her and pass on her tips for getting started with art journaling as a means of self expression and processing emotions.

When Beth began art journaling, she was overwhelmed with the emotions surrounding her own divorce. Ironically, even though she is an art therapist, art journaling itself was a completely new way of processing her experience. Her therapist encouraged her to share her art when she felt ready.

Understandably, her immediate reaction to that suggestion was a firm no. However, her therapist planted the seed, and when the time came, she remembered that suggestion. Beth points out that she “didn’t know if she would ever have thought to do this if it weren’t form someone else commenting on how helpful her art could be for others.”

She was in overwhelm and art journaling was her visual outlet to process all those emotions we go through during divorce. It was meant purely for herself. She had no intentions of ever sharing her art – even her kids knew not to go into her journals. Beth found her art was a way to articulate the “tsunami of feelings” she couldn’t put into words. It was cathartic, an energy release that allowed her to continue moving forward in her healing process.

Lucky for us, Beth did get to the point of healing that made her feel the desire to share her art with the divorce community. As an art therapist and as a divorcee, Beth wanted to pass on to others the value of using art as a way to heal. Once she created @divorce.art.heal on Instagram, she began to see how much her art journaling has been resonating with others.

Getting Started

The supplies you need to get started with art journaling are pretty minimal: some kind of paper and something to make marks with. So grab anything: a sheet of paper, sketchbook, notebook, bullet pad – any paper will do. Then go find a pencil, colored pencils, pens, markers, crayons, paint – anything to start making marks.

Since this is about the process, not about the product, Beth says to be kind to yourself and to remember that “mistakes are not only allowed, but encouraged.”

Beth suggested starting with picking a feeling. What color is it? How big is it? Are there other colors? What kinds of lines or shapes does it feel like to you? Do you need to cut it with scissors or tear it with your hands?

If you’re more artistically inclined, feel free to create a full on drawing, collage, or painting. Is there a quote that seems right to include on your page? Go ahead and add it if that feels right to you.

The key is to do what it takes for you to process that feeling you chose. That may mean that all you do is scribble on the page. That’s wonderful. Whatever feels right to you is the right way to go. 

Art journaling is about self expression and letting the heavy emotions out. It’s also a great activity when you’re looking for an outlet for emotions that could possibly escalate certain situations in a divorce to places that won’t be helpful to you.

The only rules to art journaling are:

-This is for your eyes only, unless you CHOOSE to share your art with someone. This is only for you.

-Create a no judgement zone for your art journaling. Allow yourself the safety net for health self expression and emotional release.

-Own your work.

Conclusion

Beth had stressed to me throughout our conversation that “art journaling is about the process, not the product.” She urges anyone getting started to remember this about you and your healing process. It doesn’t need to be fancy, you don’t need to be an artist, it doesn’t need to be expensive, and it can take as much or as little time that you’d like.

In looking back at her art journals, Beth expressed to me what a gift they are truly are:

“In documenting my journey this way, I’ve been able too ee the change in my art and my well being. It’s rewarding to see the growth. I can see a piece of journaling and remember the feelings, but I’m not inside of it any more.”

As Beth continues to grow and heal, she finds that her art has evolved toward being more future oriented. Goals, positivity, and self care makes themselves loud and clear in her artwork now. Yet another sign of growth and healing.

I urge you to go follow Beth on Instagram @divorce.art.heal to be inspired by her art journaling. Don’t be afraid to dip your to in the water of this type of emotional processing. You just may find it’s exactly what you need to move forward in your own healing.