How Gabrielle Tesfaye's 'I Hear My Heart So Clearly At Night' Journal is Empowering Women

In a world filled with noise and chaos, finding a moment of stillness to reflect, heal, and discover your inner voice can be a transformative experience. Gabrielle Tesfaye, an interdisciplinary artist of Ethiopian, Jamaican and Indian descent, offers a unique opportunity to embark on this journey with her latest creation, the “I Hear My Heart So Clearly At Night” journals. In this article, we delve into the profound impact of journaling, the inspiration behind Gabrielle’s artwork, and the significance of these journals for self-expression and empowerment.

Unveiling the Artwork: A Glimpse into Healing and Strength

The woman depicted on the cover of the “I Hear My Heart So Clearly At Night” journals gazes out of her window at the ancient monuments standing tall in Axum, Tigray, Ethiopia. Her homeland has endured devastating trauma, and the scars of destruction linger. Yet, in this moment of stillness, she finds solace and strength.

Within the pages of these journals, she documents the memories she’s afraid to speak, the dreams she aspires to fulfill, and the nightmares she hopes to conquer. In the act of writing, she becomes the author of her own story, finding healing and resilience in the strokes of her pen.

Gabrielle Tesfaye: A Multifaceted Creative Force

Gabrielle is a visionary artist whose work spans various mediums, including painting, animation, film, and design. Her art is deeply rooted in preserving cultural heritage through the fusion of art, technology, traditional craftsmanship, and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from her multicultural background, Gabrielle’s mixed-media approach to art reflects her cross-cultural perspective.

Gabrielle’s journey into the world of film began at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and continued at Mahidol University International College in Bangkok, Thailand. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Peck School of the Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and completed her graduate studies in Design (MFA) at Virginia Commonwealth University in Doha, Qatar.

Throughout her career, Gabrielle has received recognition in prominent publications such as BBC, Vogue, AFROPUNK, and Majestic Disorder Magazine (UK). Her work has been showcased internationally in locations ranging from London and New York to Ethiopia, Kenya, Zanzibar, India, and Sweden. Gabrielle’s artistic contributions have garnered her scholarships and awards, including the Milwaukee Film Brico Forward Fund and the Mary Nohl Suitcase Export Fund. Her film, “The Water Will Carry Us Home,” earned acclaim at festivals like the Black Star Film Festival and Reel Sisters of the Diaspora (NYC), where it won the best experimental film award.

The Healing Power of Journaling

“Writing is an incredibly special tool for healing, self-reflection, and insight,” Gabrielle emphasizes. These journals, adorned with her compelling artwork, invite you to explore your inner world, allowing you to become the author of your unique story. They provide a gateway to self-discovery, a chance to reflect on your life’s journey, and an opportunity to leave behind a legacy of your thoughts and experiences.

The act of journaling, putting pen to paper or typing away at a keyboard, may seem simple, but its impact can be profound. It offers a platform for expressing your thoughts, emotions, and dreams. Here are some types of journaling that can empower you:

Vent Journaling: A free-form, raw diary-style journaling where you can pour out your emotions and thoughts without judgment or expectation.
Goals and Mantras: Articulating your aspirations and reaffirming your goals can help you stay focused on your journey and inspire self-accountability.
Gratitude Journals: Acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small, can enhance your sense of well-being and self-worth.

Benefits of Journaling

Journaling offers a multitude of benefits, including:

Reflection: It provides a space for self-reflection and releasing pent-up emotions, contributing to improved mental and physical well-being.
Anxiety and Depression Management: Studies suggest that journaling can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, offering relief to millions who grapple with these conditions.

In a world where your voice matters, where your experiences are unique and worth preserving, Gabrielle Tesfaye’s “I Hear My Heart So Clearly At Night” journals stand as a testament to the power of self-expression. Whether you choose to vent, set goals, or express gratitude, journaling becomes a gateway to empowerment and healing. These journals are more than blank pages; they are a canvas for your thoughts, dreams, and the authorship of your own story. Embrace the therapeutic art of journaling, and let your heart speak clearly at night.