Some benefits of keeping a “Studio Journal”

Katarzyna — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:37:05 +0000

First and foremost — to keep the work alive with thinking/reflection
To preserve unique moments of a discovery
To preserve equally unique moments of a struggle/crisis
To learn from one’s own story
To exercise an insight and self-recognition
To learn self-discipline and persistence
To develop skill in a creative/accurate writing

By “Studio Journal” I mean any form of a written record of one’s own progress/actions in an artistic studio (by ‘studio’ I mean an actual workplace — wherever thinking/working takes place; it can be a gallery, trip, workshop, library).

It can be kept in a form of a sketchbook, where drawings, work-samples, illustrations are included, however a special care should be taken for putting experiences into words… It’s slightly similar to maintaining a web-blog, however, more personal…

It’s best rewarding when the discipline of regular notes (based on everyday, each two/three days frequency) is applied consistently.

I’ve been sustaining my own ‘Journal’ for a month as for now and must say — it’s got a power to surprise. I mean — reading my own two-weeks-old thoughts is sometimes like flying on another planet…

But one important rule — one has to be honest — and a diary is a great lecture on honesty… On one day I wrote: “I’m not going to pretend that I have something interesting to say…” And sometimes is nothing more than that…

So, good luck with that — if you accept this challenge of mine…

All the Strange Hours » studio

Some benefits of keeping a “Studio Journal”