Faithful creativity through art journalling

When Rochelle Melville began art journalling as a creative outlet – she simply enjoyed some ‘me time’ with a healthy stash of art supplies.

 Little did she imagine that God had bigger plans for sharing this hobby with others, utilising her natural creativity and people-skills.

Last month, Rochelle co-ordinated a 5-day workshop with more than 20 attendees at South Queensland SDA Camp Meeting held at Watson Park, north of Brisbane. “I had to turn away about 5 people each day because we didn’t have enough supplies or seats”, she said. “What was most special about these classes was the daily show-and-tell time where someone would share a piece of their work and the personal meaning behind it. Those times truly edified God and touched many of us deeply”

Art journalling emphasises shapes and colours using simple tools such as stencils, printouts and stamping to create a mixed-media piece around a theme. During the early days of this new practice at home, Rochelle experienced a lightbulb moment when she realised the inner dialogues which coincided with her artwork were often spiritual.

“I was worshipping with paint, ink and paper. Since then, art journalling has intensified my God time. Now when i connect with God through prayer and Bible study, I take a next step; I use something from my devotional time such as the topic, lyrics, a verse or even a single word and write about it in colours, shapes and words. I journal my response to God, my questions and sometimes my inner thoughts. I use art journalling to celebrate and as an invitation to go deeply with the Spirit and apply it to myself personally.”

Rochelle specifically tailored the classes at SQ Camp for beginners, and once they got past the initial hesitation of something new, her students blossomed.

“Your workshop took me to a creative space I had buried for a long time. It was emotional, uplifting, and totally soul enriching to give myself to god through colours and textures. I felt like I could abandon the rules and just swirl paint here, dab glue there and then 2 hours later pull myself back to look with total surprise at the art that somehow belonged to me. Since then I haven’t stopped exploring, using my newly rediscovered love of art.” – Carly, Gold Coast

Rochelle believes the practice of art journalling celebrates Faithful Creativity because “… it recognises each person has unique, God-given spiritual pathways they use to connect with Him. Using the fullness of our gifted creativity to personally explore spiritual themes is authentic worship – connecting with Him in the way we are wired“.

Rochelle is passionate about her faith and as a result of running these classes, she has felt a deep calling to continue this ministry for God. If you would like to know more about Rochelle’s practice and join her on-line community – visit her Art Journalling Facebook page or email her directly at [email protected]