How to Start Your Own Ekphrastic Journal 🖤 What is Ekphrasis? 🖤 Journaling tips and ideas!

[@christinesanchez4801]

WOW!! Your video and explanation of the word "Ekphrastic" is wonderful and touching. This is my first introduction to the word and process. I will rewatch to fully get a grasp how I can follow and try for myself. Thank you!

[@journalingplanet]

That's brilliant Christine, I hope you enjoy the process!

[@anniemorris5855]

I think it is great to have such a good definition for this sort of journalling! I kind of do this instinctively in my day to day journal, but lovely to see it done so well by someone else - very inspiring. I also loved your actual words. Thank you so very much for sharing. Look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@journalingplanet]

That's brilliant, thank you. I'm so glad this chimed with you and that it's already part of your practice. Love that!

[@jillneuner8132]

Wonderful 👍 I'm 78 yrs old. Been trying to journal/write all my life! Would start then lose interest! I can still remember a teacher I had that was a stickler for spelling, punctuation, etc, so I generally had a lot of notations on my papers. Not positive . A necessary step in education but just a few good critiques would have been nice . So eventually I lost interest in putting pen to paper. You just gave me some hope of trying again 😁

[@journalingplanet]

Full disclosure: I write novels for a living and spelling isn't my strong suit. That kind of thing doesn't have to hold you back. The journal is YOUR space where nobody can critique what you do. You make the rules. I'd love to see you go for this. Thank you for watching.

[@kensij1986]

I also can not spell. But a number of best-selling authors have said the same thing. So I began to see it as a trait of being a great writer!

[@KriRama]

I love so many things about this video!! 🩷 The type of journaling is such a great idea! AND wow… what a powerful story & thank u for sharing your entry.

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, thank you! I'm so glad you liked it and that it resonates with you!

[@heidismith6638]

I kind of do this anyway, but not as intentional and I love the idea. What a great use of collected magazine, calendar and advertistement images that I love. Thanks for sharing this term and process.

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad this sparked something for you!

[@dawnkosior2511]

Beautiful writing. I hoard many images that resonant with me. This is a great way to put experiences & feelings on paper. Thanks for the inspiration ❤

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad it resonates with you! I hope you have fun with it.

[@judypatterson]

Your reflective entry resonates with me in an unexpected way. Thank you for the journal/ephemera ideas and your brave and honest words.

[@journalingplanet]

Ah that's wonderful. I'm so glad to hear this!

[@kensij1986]

Your journal entry was well said. And very true. Thank you for sharing it, and your whole journaling idea.

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad you liked it! Thank you for watching.

[@CateField]

What a fabulous tutorial, and so wonderful to see you reflect on the amazing Lee Miller. The Lee Miller archives are a fantastic resource. Your writing is so poignant and uplifting. Thank you. (And of course, Kate Winslett is terrific).

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, thank you so much Cate. I'm so glad you enjoyed the tutorial. I was very moved indeed by the film and will definitely check out the archive too. I'm so glad you found my writing uplifting!

[@jillpontiere1814]

A beautiful idea and tribute to Lee and you are a rare and beautiful human being! Thank you for sharing this moving and heart felt video. I must take in the movie and start writing……

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, thank you so much. What a lovely thing to say! I definitely recommend the movie and hope you have fun with ekphrasis!

[@jillpontiere1814]

@@journalingplanet thank you, I’m so looking forward to both!❤️

[@melissaoverland692]

So interesting. Thank you for introducing this concept to all of us! I hope to give it try. 👍✌️❤️😊

[@journalingplanet]

My pleasure! I really hope you have fun with it!!

[@Rosepineres]

I don’t have a journal dedicated to this type of journaling, but I included it in my journaling practices. When I don’t have anything specific to journal about I grab my images collection to inspire me to write. It’s amazing to learn this word.

[@journalingplanet]

Yes, that's great! I did the same once upon a time and it's how I started out with ekphrasis. I love it.

[@CraftingwithLani]

Youʻve given me a new perspective on how to use some of the images Iʻve collected. Thank you.

[@journalingplanet]

Oh that's great, I'm so pleased! I hope you have fun with it.

[@hjhill1465]

Me, too. Thank you!

[@journalingplanet]

@@hjhill1465 yay! That's wonderful!!

[@jeanburns4008]

Wow what a talented writer you are. I will use your idea of this journal as a gift for other writers I know. Thanks for the idea.

[@journalingplanet]

That's so lovely! Thank you so much. I think that would make a great gift!

[@lchristoffer]

Very, very insightful and a poignant piece of writing. Thank you.

[@journalingplanet]

A pleasure, thank you!

[@gintzudai2979]

This idea is fabulous, and the movie sounds great. I will definitely look for it when it reaches a streaming platform. However, please don't sell yourself short, kiddo - your so-called "first draft" journal entry was chef's kiss 😘 - simple, clear, and utterly authentic. ❤❤❤ Thanks for making this.🙏

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, thank you so much. I'm glad you liked the writing and that the idea appealed to you. I really hope you have a go yourself! The movie really was very inspiring.

[@joannepeyton1654]

Hi Helen: Beautiful writing, beautiful storytelling and such a wonderful muse and person to be writing about. Thank you for sharing. 💜😎🇺🇸

[@journalingplanet]

Ah thank you! I'm so glad you liked it!

[@brookerohleder6769]

This exercise was used in all of my freshman English classes...to write about what they see or what it makes them think about.

[@journalingplanet]

It's so cool teachers are using it in schools because it's such a great exercise for the mind, regardless of our age!

[@irisn3188]

Thank you for the inspiration!

[@journalingplanet]

You're very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@fyrtalker]

Helen this is so beautiful! Even though my childhood home never looked like this it reminded me of a childhood memory. When I was only about 6 years old I already loved reading! My mom signed me up for a subscription for a book series called The Hamilton Twins. This was during the popularity of Nancy Drew but I preferred the Hamilton Twins. Every 2 weeks when a new book was due to be delivered I would rush to the mailbox as soon as the mail came until I received the most recent release. Once I got the new book I’d curl up in our armchair and read it cover to cover. I wouldn’t play or eat or do anything until I had finished it! At some point I received a tabletop bookcase to collect them in and I absolutely loved them! I think there were probably 10-12 books. Unfortunately they disappeared when we were cleaning out my dad’s house after he passed. Thank you for stirring up and dusting off this old memory!

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, this is so lovely. I love the image of this excitable little girl eagerly awaiting the next book. How cool is it that the books were on subscription? I'm so glad this video stirred up this memory.

[@mbutler599]

What lovely piece of reflection. I very much liked how you read it like a story. I have never done that when reading my own journalling. I will have to see the movie. TFS!❤🇨🇦

[@journalingplanet]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I really hope you catch the movie. Very sad in places but extremely thought-provoking!

[@robinsutton4952]

I believe this was the push forward for me. I want to leave behind a diary/memoir. Won’t mean anything in particular, but as a way of making my life meaningful to me.

[@journalingplanet]

I'm really glad this video has helped you with that. I must admit I've very much enjoyed the process of keeping this journal. It's my favourite one to write in. I hope you enjoy it too!

[@craftingexperiments-StellaT]

Your life is meaningful whether you leave behind a diary or not. Every life is important on this earth. I keep a diary since I can remember myself. It is liberating and soothing. Do try it.

[@craftingexperiments-StellaT]

​@@journalingplanetDear Helen that was so interesting. Since I am Greek this subject spoke to me on a deeper level. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, your experience and your emotions.

[@journalingplanet]

@craftingexperiments-StellaT oooh that's wonderful! I'm so glad it resonated!!

[@kathleenwilliams767]

This is my first time at your channel. I am inspired by your writing and your idea. Thank you for posting this😊

[@journalingplanet]

Thank you for watching the video, Kristie. I'm so glad you found it inspiring!

[@sherelynwhite4130]

Always love learning a new word and finding out about a good movie to go see! I make journals, and I also use cutouts from magazines at times. I usually alter the magazine images in some way. This is a very interesting idea, and I appreciate you sharing it with us! I think you express yourself very well and loved what you wrote about your thoughts after seeing this movie. I personally don't think I have the time to spend writing as I would rather be creating my journals or painting. Thanks again!💞🌺🙋‍♀️

[@journalingplanet]

I'm glad that the new word was interesting to you, I definitely recommend the movie! I get that time to write might not be an option when you are focused on making journals! There is only so much time! I love altering magazine images too.

[@whitneycloud9419]

Informative and inspiring--thank you!

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad, thank you!

[@carolanne3017]

A brand new idea for me! Thanks!

[@journalingplanet]

Oh that's wonderful. I'm so glad!

[@conniemorrison]

Thank you for sharing this unique way to find writing prompts! I'm sharing on my FB page and with my 2 writing critique groups. Thanks, again...thumbs up and subscribed.

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, thank you so much for sharing it Connie. I really hope it helps people. I've been having a whale of a time in that journal! Thank you so much again. ❤️

[@peetjeselis]

What a beautiful story and a great idea Helen! Thank you!

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching. ❤️

[@peetjeselis]

@@journalingplanet i like your creativity, i also like to write 😄

[@journalingplanet]

@peetjeselis that's great! I think writing is very therapeutic.

[@peetjeselis]

@@journalingplanet i’m sure it is! I’m from the Netherlands by the way.

[@journalingplanet]

@peetjeselis lovely, thank you for stopping by!

[@carlaking3459]

This is a great idea❤. I love photography, esp of every day life . Will be trying this technique and thanks for sharing both the movie and your journal thoughts!!

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, excellent! I'm so glad you liked it all. I really hope you have fun with it.

[@hippomom26]

This was very moving. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and teaching us a new term (to me, at least). I need to start a journal again.. #inspired

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad this video inspired you to journal again! I really hope you have fun with it. Thank you so much for watching.

[@Sketchbook_sazzle]

What a brilliant idea. I will try this!

[@journalingplanet]

Yay! I hope you have fun!

[@bethpearse6319]

This was beautiful and so inspiring to me ❤

[@journalingplanet]

That is so wonderful to hear. I'm so glad!

[@Enthusiasticallydawn]

Great video and example. I have written Ekphrastic poetry in response to paintings for a local art exhibit in our state called Portey and Art a number of times - the event matches artists and poets for an extraordinary creative opportunity- each time the theme and who responds to who is changed. It makes for a magical, and delightful experience for all involved. Thanks also for sharing about Lee! I want to see the movie now. Appreciate your sharing all!

[@journalingplanet]

That sounds like a wonderful initiative. How amazing to have your poetry exhibited. I just love that. I definitely recommend Lee!

[@nmimagination]

I’ve been journaling for awhile. This strikes me as a wonderful idea for getting some preliminary thoughts down on paper. I have lots of ephemera collected for art inspiration. Thanks

[@journalingplanet]

I'm do glad it was helpful! I hope you enjoy your journaling!

[@sharonolsen6579]

what an incredibly great idea !! loved this video content so much I have subscribed. First time seeing a video from your channel btw.

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, that's so lovely! Thank you for subscribing. I'm really glad you enjoyed the idea! I hope you have fun with it.

[@teresadavis9283]

What a fabulous idea! A great way to get something meaningful out of the images one is drawn to. Love the idea! Thanks!

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad you liked it! I am really enjoying working in this journal. I hope you give it a go!

[@KendraBailey-d1q]

You are a talented writer. I wish i was capable of writing like that.

[@journalingplanet]

I have written many novels and done creative writing for years and years so I didn't just pick up the pen and do that, I assure you!

[@KendraBailey-d1q]

@@journalingplanet it was very relaxing listening to you read that. Very well said. I love to read so....

[@journalingplanet]

I'm so glad it was a relaxing experience! Thank you for you'd kind words.

[@SEWalke]

Thank you!

[@journalingplanet]

A pleasure!

[@Harkart59]

I just listened to an interview with Kate Winslet about her new film " Lee". I'm looking forward to seeing it.

[@journalingplanet]

She was so good in the movie. I bet it was great hearing what she had to say about it!

[@LesMisunderstood]

I’m so fascinated by this idea. Where would you go to find images like these?

[@journalingplanet]

Thrift stores are usually a gold mine. If you don't want to cut up original vintage magazines or books, you can photocopy from them and then redonate them. I'm so glad you like the idea!

[@thefictionkitten_]

ooh i need another journal now lol

[@journalingplanet]

Hehe. I know how that goes!

[@NikNicOnNYC]

thank you

[@journalingplanet]

A pleasure!

[@izzyb7139]

We use to do that in English class.

[@journalingplanet]

That's so cool!

[@robertakeirn1870]

Great video, Helen! Thank you! Have you seen the movie “Deceit” starting Rachel Weisz? She is charged with libel for stating the Holocaust happened. Can’t remember if it’s a true story, but the movie “Lee” made me think of it.

[@journalingplanet]

I think that movie is based on a true story. And it's such a good movie. Rachel is excellent in everything!

[@KeyLimeInk]

♥️ Thank you for the lovely mention, and I’m thrilled to hear my favorite style of journaling has a name! As a photographer, I’m eagerly awaiting the opportunity to see Lee. Have you watched Minamata? It’s of a similar vein and quite moving. Be well, Ann

[@journalingplanet]

Ah, thanks for this lovely message Ann. I was so inspired by your videos and love your style of presenting. I really do recommend Lee, especially if you are a photographer. I think there is just so much to unpack about the sense of duty she felt. I haven't seen that other movie you mention but will look that up stat. Thank you for the recommendation and for taking a look at my video.

[@d.rabbitwhite]

Just want to know why since the word's etymology means a description, to describe, detail, explain... that we don't just call it descriptive journaling?

[@journalingplanet]

I'm not sure! This is just the term that's become widely used. Possibly for academic purposes so that people can explore it in PhDs and such?

[@d.rabbitwhite]

@@journalingplanet That must be it. Just as they kept using the word pedagogy, when we were in school, instead of teaching method. I am all for awesome vocabulary words but often vocabulary is used as gate keeping or exclusion. I guess that's why we paid or are still paying the big bucks, hah

[@journalingplanet]

@d.rabbitwhite I agree entirely about inclusion. I think it's important to break these terms down to their simple meanings so they are accessible to all and it's clear that the fancy words, though academically accurate, are not something to get hung up about.

[@lifeisagame2023]

All the words! 😂