Art book: ritualization, addiction, love

People who do not have experience in maintaining art books in various forms often express a rather dubious opinion towards people who are passionate about this creative business: “Do you have anything to do?”; “What’s the point of this idea?” But I can say with complete responsibility that this is certainly an exciting process that not only develops creativity, but also harmonizes the personality as a whole.

Giving ourselves the right to create symbolic harmony on a piece of paper, just like that, without a specific meaning, for the sake of pleasure and process – we learn to accept life itself with all its beauty for the sake of pleasure and process.

Through the rituals of the combined collection of different images, forms and plots, the emotional experience of life perception is systematically enriched. A person begins to look at the little things, look for beauty and harmony in them. The plot, which can be fixed on the page as a memorable memory or just as a nice color collage, gives meaning to life itself.

Let’s think about what gives such a form of immersion in oneself and life as an art book. I will highlight only a few of the most important components of this healing process.

1. Let’s start with the fact that a notebook, in which images important to oneself are collected, is a symbolic form of accepting oneself and one’s self-worth in a safe and convenient form.
2. A person, plunging into the real world, subconsciously chooses something important for himself and with inspiration and joy continues it in a creative form on the pages of his art book. And this is nothing but an interest in life and as a resource for creativity.
3. Creative self-expression in an art book is a self-sufficient form of expressing yourself, your needs and feelings. This is a huge potential for personal usefulness.
4. Art book removes the fear of self-manifestation in the world. Over time, there is a desire to show the fruit of their creativity, and a person becomes more open to the world of people.
5. The process of creating an art book makes a person deeper and more conscious in relation to himself. I sometimes get the feeling that art booking is maidfulness in art therapy, the development of the skills to consciously stay in the world.

In general, I certainly love art-booking as a process, art-book as a form of self-expression and art-teaching as a method of relaxation and self-awareness.

And again got myself a new art book. This time I will explore the mini art book. Size 12 by 12 centimeters, tiny, pocket. Perhaps this is something about my life stage, in which it is important to fit everything that is valuable and significant.

Therefore, do not listen to those who say to us, enthusiastic and creative, “Why do you need this?”. Feel free to answer: “It makes me happier, deeper, more creative, harmonious and joyful.” And give this person a notebook for an art book.

Victoria Nazarevich ©2019

Our meetings of art-bookers regularly in Kyiv