I recently saw the documentary 1,000 Journals, which explores the 1,000 Journals project - how it started, where some of the journals ended up, peoples' reactions to them, etc. The artist someguy sent 1,000 journals out into the world, and people write in them, drew in them - created all kinds of art in them, and they became amazing records of thoughts, dreams, and experiences. You can see scans from them at the website, or buy the book. What an incredible way to connect people from all over the world.
There is also the 1001 Journals project, which allows people to sign up to receive ongoing journals, or to create their own to share with the world or a specific group. Journaling as community, as creative expression. I'm thinking of getting one started. Do I choose a group? A theme? Just send it out and see what happens? So many possibilities... as someone who's journaled since childhood, it's fascinating to me to think about the private act of journaling being so public. What changes with the knowledge of an audience, even if you remain anonymous? What would you want to say in a journal that will become a more permanent record than your private journal?
