
Aspiring Filipino art journalist Jeka Packing graced the GMA Artist Center's online show Cool Hub on Saturday, October 24, and introduced viewers to Art Journaling.
It was hosted by Ayra Mariano, who is also passionate about art journaling.
Art journaling is a visual diary where one can creatively and freely express his/her thoughts, memories, and emotions through images, arts, and words.
During the interview, Ayra asked Jeka, who now keeps a number of journals, for some tips on how to start an art journal.
“Importante siyempre na magkaroon ka ng sarili mong journal. 'Yung style ng journal, 'yung pages niya, nakadepende sa preference mo.
“Kung gusto mo ng lines, kung gusto mo mahilig ka magsulat o kung gusto mo ng blank pages, kung mahilig ka mag-sketch ganyan, kung lalagyan mo ng artworks,” she said.
Jeka added that it's also important to have your preferred writing tools to better express your creativity. But take note that it does not have to be expensive.
“'Yung writing tools mo. Kung artist ka, mahilig ka mag-sketch, pencil, calligraphy, markers.
“Pero kung katulad ko na mahilig mag-collage, ang basic na kailangan mo ay mga picture. Makukuha mo 'yun sa mga magazine,” she added.
Collage journaling is made by combining different materials such as photographs and pieces of paper or fabric.
Meanwhile, journaling--aside from being a great avenue for artistic and personal growth--can also help someone ease his/her stress by putting the chaos inside his/her head down on a piece of paper.
“Journaling can help you clear your head, make important connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and even buffer or reduce the effects of mental illness,” Ayra said.
Watch Ayra and Jeka talk about Art Journaling in the video below: