Dear Diary is an ongoing mixed media art series where each piece feels like a page from my own visual journal. Every work — titled Dear Diary, Page 1, Dear Diary, Keep Going, and so on — is created on brown paper bags, then framed simply to preserve their raw, honest nature.

I began this series when my children were very young. At the time, long studio hours weren’t possible, but my need to create never stopped. So, I started cutting up brown paper bags, keeping them in a small pouch along with a few basic art supplies. While waiting during swimming lessons or gymnastics practice, I’d pull one out and paint or collage whatever was on my mind that day. It became a quiet ritual — a way to stay connected to my creative self amidst the chaos of motherhood.

The brown paper itself carries its own story. I first began using it while living in Pakistan, when art materials were limited. Wanting something that felt aged and imperfect, I turned to this simple, everyday material — cutting and binding the sheets into my own handmade sketchbook. Though it’s challenging to work with, I’ve come to love its texture, warmth, and the creative limits it imposes.

Each 5x7 piece is a personal reflection — spontaneous, layered, and deeply intuitive — offering a glimpse into the evolving story of daily life, resilience, and creativity.

Details:

• Size: 5 x 7 inches

• Medium: Mixed media on brown paper bag

• Framed: Yes, in a simple, minimal frame

• Series: Dear Diary (ongoing collection)

• Original artwork by Najia Omer