TEACHING ARTIST SESSION

VA-048 Junk Journaling from Scratch: Mixed Media Storytelling (9-12)

In this workshop, students will design and construct their own handmade journals using recycled and found materials, then bring those pages to life with collage, writing, drawing, and mixed media techniques. Through a mixture of guided prompts and creative freedom, students will explore personal expression and visual storytelling in a low-pressure, highly tactile format. Students will learn simple book binding techniques using recycled materials, explore artistic journaling as a tool for self-reflection, and explore collage. On day one we will discuss what a junk journal is, show examples, and create the cover/main structure for their journals. On day two, we will begin with a brief demo showing students some ideas for pages and techniques for creating things like pockets. Students will be given a number of prompts to use as jumping off points for their pages. On day three, students will warm up by creating a new spread focusing on slightly deeper prompts such as “what my room says about me” or “things I want to remember,” followed by time for reflection and group discussion.

Single session or Short-Term Residendy

Brianna Autin

Brianna is a multi-media artist originally from Houma, Louisiana. She is now based here in Lafayette after five years in Denver! She obtained a BFA in New Media and Digital Art from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and an MFA in Integrated Media Arts from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

In her art practice, she often focuses on self-investigation and personal experiences. Much of the work is deeply personal, but she feels it is important to share. Often the radical vulnerability of one allows others to feel seen and maybe even safe enough to be vulnerable themselves. Although she deeply believes art is a place to play and explore, she also believes that art is an invaluable tool to discuss more serious and difficult topics.

In addition to her art practice, she has been an art educator at the college level for the last four years. Her experience includes teaching both online and in person courses on intro to fine art, digital art, video art, and photography.