1,000 Artist Journal Pages: Personal Pages and Inspirations (1000 Series)

I was looking for some inspiration regarding my own feeble attempts at art journaling when I ran across this book on Amazon. I have rarely been as pleased with a purchase as I am with this one. The 1000 pages from other people's art journals were obviously selected for their beauty, variety and inspirational qualities. The only drawback I can find is that you really need a good magnifying glass to read much of what is included on these beautiful pages. But I pore over this wonderful collection virtually every day. What a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

I was wary when I saw that most--if not all--of the reviewers listed on Amazon.com were contributors to this book. It is too easy for people not used to being published to get all starry-eyed over "publication"--as if it validates their existence, their art, or their parking tickets (and no I didn't submit anything, so this is not "sour grapes"). However, I thought I still saw enough good to order it for the price. In fact, this book offers a wealth of art to inspire your own efforts. Unfortunately, the photos of the art are too small: I'd rather have had only 500 entries, if I could see the interesting details of each better. For example, if the publisher or author had deleted the similar pieces by the same artists, or, if all 1,000 (thus, the series' name) had been included but more paper used, I'd be happier. I'd rather pay more for a truly fine publication. In addition, this book seriously lacks organization; although it would have been a challenge, some sort of editorial categorizing of the pieces would have made the book more accessible as a reference guide. Editorially, the book is a "blob" of work that requires more work on the part of the user than it should, detracting significantly from the enjoyment.

This book is just what it says--1,000 artist journal pages--pictures of just about every style one can imagine. The range is amazing and mind-boggling. I'll be perusing it for years, probably.

I have to admit, I wasn't all that excited at first about the release of 1000 Artist Journal Pages. Somewhere in my mind, I had decided it's kinda silly to write a book, showcasing these pages, when people could just simply look online -at no cost, for inspiration.

I'm now, totally eating those words -- err thought.

(Can you even eat a thought? Much less words? Hmmm....)
Sidenote for those who know me well: SEE- I really CAN admit when I'm wrong.

All silliness aside, it was yet another lesson for me in passing judgement on something before fully experiencing it. Had I not been in the book, I probably wouldn't have bought it -- and I truly would have been missing out. I say this not to upset anyone, but beacuse I'm sure others have thought it too.

I now know that there really is something to be said for having those amazing journal entries all wrapped up in the handy form of a book. Unlike my computer, I can curl up in my favorite chair and get lost in the diversity and wide range of artistic skills & styles found between the pretty covers.

I was exposed to artists I may have never otherwise never heard of; styles I may never have otherwise seen; and ideas i may not have had have been rushing through my mind as a result. The first day I picked it up - I was inside my studio within an hour for the first time in weeks. It has become my go-to resource for a quick flash of creative caffeine. My love and admiration of this book, really shocked me; as did the effect it has had on me.

I actually, surpringisly, kinda like that there's not alot of text. Really, that is part of it's charm - the accessibility of it, and how even if I only have seconds to spare, I can get something out of it. That - my friends - is priceless.

So Thank You Dawn, for asking me to be a part of this fabulous collaboration ( you'll find 6 of my pages in the book on pages 97 and 98 ) and reminding me the value of showcasing art in this form!

I sent a copy of this to my parents, and they in turned ahowed my uncle -- who used to sketch quite a bit; but hasn't in years. After looking through this book & Mixed-Media Self-Portraits: Inspiration & Techniques He began creating again! Inspiration really is a powerful tool isn't it?

I bought this book because a specific artist I find inspiring was featured in the book and I wanted to see more of her work. I also thought it would be interesting to see how other artists interpreted their journal pages, and it was. On the down side, I felt the editors tried to fit too many journal pages onto one page of their book, resulting in smaller images of each artist's work and thus making it harder to appreciate the details of the artwork.