To celebrate giving away copies of Almudena Rocca’s new book, we spoke to the artist and author to find out more about her Creative Health practice.
Find out more about the Intuitive Drawing Journal and pre-order here.
Can you tell us more about your creative journaling practice?
Journaling or sketch-booking has always been a part of my creative practice. Giving myself space to draw, let out ideas and create a safe space to be vulnerable is a really important part of being an artist that allows you to connect with yourself and others. I think as well, just allowing yourself the time to draw or journal is so important, as you are taking time of out your day to focus on yourself and practise self-care!
I have used journaling and sketch-booking a lot throughout my time in therapy as well. As someone who is very visual, it helps me process how I am feeling and can give me a sense of relief. This has also spilled into my art practice and has influenced the way I work. I sometimes also use collage and really enjoy making dream boards as a way to help me feel unstuck and create a clearer vision of what I want or where I’d like to be. I normally have these up in my creative space so I can always look at them.
Overall, I try to live a slow and intuitive life and journalling has helped a lot with this. I don’t write a lot as I find images more powerful, but in whatever way you do it just make sure you allow yourself space to do so.
What led you to creating the Intuitive Drawing Journal?
I started drawing using the continuous line technique when I was at university. I was struggling with the course and I think throughout my time there I constantly questioned why I was there and what I was doing. While I was travelling back home to Northumberland on the train thinking about dropping out of university, I began to draw and doodle (I always bring a sketchbook with me on the train just in case). While I was drawing without lifting my pen off the paper (I think I unconsciously did it to process what was going on but at the time I didn’t know this) I felt some relief pressing hard on the paper, as I was releasing some of the stresses I was feeling. Then from that point, I started my illustration journey which has continued to develop.
I graduated in 2019 and when Covid hit in 2020 I began to have an idea for a book. I think initially it was going to be more of a short sketchbook zine. However, I thought that the continuous line drawing technique I used to help me with my feelings while I was at university could be used to help others express or process thoughts that are not otherwise being explored. It can be so hard to find the right words to describe how we feel so why not draw it? I have always wanted to try to help others in some way and I thought this could be a way through making art! Creating accessible art that can help with your mental health and well-being. My therapist once said that art can reach deeper than words can and I truly believe this.
What can people expect from using the book?
I hope people use it as a way to de-stress, feel a bit less anxious and help connect with themselves a little more. It gives people an excuse to practice more self-care!
Art is such an important tool for improving mental health and well-being, and this book is another tool to add to your toolbox.
I have made it simple and accessible, so you don’t have to be an ‘artist’ to use this book. It is perfect for anyone who enjoys creative self-care. It’s a gentle way to introduce you to drawing intuitively and connecting with that gut feeling we all have. But most of all I want people to enjoy using it and have fun with it. I am so excited to see other people’s drawings and how they use the book.
What other artists and writers in the well-being space do you follow and admire?
My mum, Helen Grierson, who is also an artist (working in stained glass) has helped me become the artist I am today. She has taught me a lot about myself and the world around us and the importance of connecting with nature. We are both kindred spirits and interested in practising positive well-being and good health. We have recently been doing sea swimming together, which is a great reminder that your mind, body and soul is connected and that we have to be kind to every part of us.
I also want to mention Fiona Swinburn, someone who has really helped me heal and given me space to do so. Fiona is a traditional acupuncturist, holistic health coach and space holder. She has given me space to feel vulnerable, and anger and helped me let tears flow. She taught me how everything is connected and ways to be gentle with yourself in a world that can be harsh.
I also admire ceramicist and art therapist Anastassia Zamaraeva as I find her work very inspiring. How she uses her work to connect to the unconscious and her work led by intuition and play is something I want to bring more of into my own work.
And finally, I would like to mention author Sharon Blackie (my mum introduced me to her work). Specifically, in her book ‘The Enchanted Life’, Sharon talks about the importance of nature and reclaiming magic and wisdom of the natural work. It is a beautiful book, it really seems to nourish my inner child a lot and has opened my mind back to that sense of magic, wonder and play. How we are connected to the earth and the importance of living alongside nature, not against it. I would highly recommend it.
What’s in the future for you next?
I hope to continue to develop my art practice. I would like to give myself space to create a body of work that isn’t rushed and I can spend a year or so developing. A lot of my work has had to have quite a quick turnaround due to markets or deadlines so I would love to just give myself lots of time to create, play and experiment. With this, I would love to do some exhibitions or events, especially events such as potfest.
I am hoping to do workshops and other bits with this book and see where it will take me! I am keeping open to opportunities which is exciting! I have also been thinking about this book a lot and I do have some ideas for a volume 2 and even something for children but that just all depends on how this one goes and I don’t want to jump ahead!
I would like to further my skills with counselling and maybe do an MA in Art Therapy as I feel like that’s something I would really enjoy, whether or not I become a practising art therapist is another thing but I just want to do things that interest me and bring me joy.
As I am also a tattooist I would like to create more intuitive pieces with my clients and create a more ritualistic meaningful experience but I don’t know what that will look like just yet!
