I’m Paulette Waltz, a photographer and educator among other things. I’m currently based in Tokyo, but I’m originally from the Washington, D.C. area. I’ve been using Paperblanks writing journals loyally since I first discovered them about six years ago. At that time, I had just caught a severe case of the travel bug (which I still can’t seem to shake off). I was searching for the perfect blank journal before taking off to Namibia and Botswana for Emory University’s Environmental Studies program. Writing is experiential and that first Old Leather Handtooled journal contains an entry of my muddy handprint which was the closest I could have gotten to capturing the experience of camping every day. Since then, I’ve gone to over 20 countries and through over a dozen Paperblanks books.
Paperblanks books have been my perfect travel journals, providing sanctuary wherever I go. They keep my memories of the places I encounter – in words, pictures, lists, or tidbits tucked away. Open my memento pouch and you’ll find ticket stubs, phone numbers, and adages in other languages. I have countless stories associated with these journals, like the time a very old Japanese man gave me a pink rose with a smile after seeing me writing fervently in my Paperblanks Intricate Inlays journal, encouraging me to write as he was a poet himself.
Having good space is essential for creating. From mind to hand to pen to paper, the connection must be made or the ideas get lost. For me, it’s the look of the covers and the texture of the paper that incites a desire to fill the pages. When I crack open a Paperblanks writing journal I instantly feel like pouring out my thoughts, ideas, and stories that have inspired me. The only problem is that my hand can’t move as fast as my brain does! Paperblanks have helped shape me and the way I see the world.
Our Artist Series features snapshots of the creative people who use our journals. From all parts of the world, and all walks of life, we celebrate the infinite number of ways in which creativity can be expressed. If you would like to have your story featured, email fmallett@hartleyandmarks.com.
