Why Expressionology?

Why did I choose the name Expressionology for my blog?  I'll break down the words and the definition(s) and you’ll see why.  I underlined the definitions I related to when considering a blog name.

Expression-ology.

            expression - noun

1 the process of making known one's thoughts or feelings: his views found expression in his moral sermons | she accepted his expressions of sympathy.

• the conveying of opinions publicly without interference by the government : the right to freedom of expression.

• the look on someone's face that conveys a particular emotion : a sad expression.

• the ability to put an emotion into words : envious beyond expression.

• the style or phrasing of written or spoken words : subtlety of expression.

• the conveying of feeling in the face or voice, in a work of art, or in the performance of a piece of music : eyes empty of expression | their instruments have a rich variety of expression.

2 the production of something, esp. by pressing or squeezing it out : essential oils obtained by distillation or expression.

            -logy

combining form

1 (usu. as -ology) denoting a subject of study or interest : psychology.
2 denoting a characteristic of speech or language : eulogy.

• denoting a type of discourse : trilogy.

Like breathing oxygen, every living human being has an intense, vital necessity to express him or herself.  Self expression can happen audibly or visually—and a lot of times, both at the same time.   I have had a natural tendency to visually express myself since I was a very young child.  I always drew, wrote stories, created Barbie clothing out of my mom’s discarded material scraps, old clothes, and discarded “stuff.”  I would get excited about the social studies and science fairs at school.  The anticipation of seeing my idea in a tangible form was intoxicating to me.

My parents were divorced when I was 4 (or so), and my biological (soul) sister was 2-ish.  My sister and I lived a lot of our childhood in fear.  Don’t get me wrong, we had one (mostly) stable home with a mother who we knew loved us, showed us, and told us. But none-the-less, the turmoil of having divorced parents and living in two completely different environments, we often felt terrified.  

In one home there was no swearing, church every Sunday (for my sister and I), and NEVER leaving your room without your robe on.  In the other home, there was a revolving door of women and men partying and drinking, barroom fights, weapons, Playboy books, nudity, and the strangest sounds from the other side of the doors.   

    Okay, I’m rambling now, so I’ll just stop.  I’m sure at some point more details will surface.   

    But keep reading… I promise I have a point.

To distract and entertain myself  “quietly” I would often read, write, and create “things.” I started creating things for my sister and me. Once she was old enough, then “with” her.  My sister (who is the polar opposite of me) doesn’t realize the inspiration she gave me then, and continues to so to this very day.  She still underestimates her gifts and her worth.

Besides entertaining myself while attempting to keep a low profile, I felt a great sense of accomplishment with each of my creations.  Although others either didn’t acknowledge  my masterpieces (which was usually the case) or saw my Barbie clothes as just rags wrapped around a doll, I saw beauty, color, style, texture, and a story.  Often times the creation would inspire the storyline in which I played with my dolls that day.

Art takes on many shapes and forms.  It’s no secret that Art heals.  It’s also no secret that Art Saves!!!  I am only one story of how—second only to my belief in God--Art helped save “ME”!  It saved my sanity, and my spirit.  Albeit damaged to some extent, my overall spirit remains intact.  My desire to create and produce something beautiful, fun, or that someone else with cherish or appreciate, gives me tremendous satisfaction.  Is it like that for you?

Not much else gives me a greater sense of tranquility (another favorite word) than creating art.  I am going to muster the courage to share some of me—my stuff--with you.  It may not be to your liking, heck, you might even think its crap.  But that’s okay.  It’s my Bliss and perhaps in some small way it will inspire you to start or accomplish something creative, or have some fun, or at the very least, give you something to laugh about.

One thing I find therapeutic and fun is Art Journaling. I want to start this chapter of my blog discussing visual art journaling.  What is an Art Journal? I will tell you and show you bits and pieces of my journals.  I will offer suggestions about how to start one, materials used, and direct you to further resources (there are TONS out there).  Then we can discuss your process, your technique, and your inspiration.

I am interested in YOU and look forward to sharing this personal artistic expression in the near future.