A number of years ago while she still lived in Lansing, Santa Fe artist Jane Rosemont hosted a soul collage workshop, bringing in a certified Soul Collage leader to guide us through this creative process.
Based on the book by Soul Collage, by Seena Frost, the idea is to create cards (these were 5x7 or 5x8) that express elements of your soul. It could be your family, your frustratrations, your faith, your secrets.
I recently found my cards and what intrigues me these many years later is that they still very much reflect the me of today. For example, there is never enough time.
Trying to manage my time and find enough time to do anything and everything I want is, was and will remain one of my greatest challenges. This card reminds me that there is never enough time, so make the most of what you have.
I wear a mask everyday. Do you? The smile when you'd really like to chew someone's head off? The "Sure, I'll do it!" when you really would rather not. My theatre background has stood me in great stead over the years, never so more than now as I find my temper gets a little shorter. Really, aren't we always on stage a little bit?
And yes, sometimes it seems as though everyone wants a piece of you, doesn't it? That no matter what, you can't climb out of the maze of everyone asking for something or needing something. Sometimes it seems like there is a never-ending route for your escape, as signified by the fire escape in the background. Do you go up or down? How far can you go to escape?. The hands in this image also symbolize my deadlines which are continual. I love deadlines -- they keep me on track. But sometimes everyone's deadlines are at the same time.
Grief. When I did my soul collage workshop I was going through grief and loss issues, still mourning my Dad, my friend Patricia and others. I am still going through grief issues and I suspect I shall on a regular basis as I age and see others begin to leave this earth. This card symbolized being at the very bottom on a rocky terrain as a ship sails away with the one you love leaving only memories. The green mound and the flowers symbolize life and future, rebirth of spring -- and of course the ladder tells me there is a way out. I just must be ready to climb those rickety steps to escape.
Finally, the lion represents one of the chakras and it is also my astrological Leo symbol. To me, this also indicates my inner strength -- that while I may have some vulnerabilities, I am to the core strong, a fighter, a survivor. And yes, I also have big hair.
I was glad to discover these cards and I'd recommend the process as a good (and creative) sorting out of yourself. And it was interesting to rediscover -- the more things change, the more they stay the same.
19 comments:
Wow, Jeanie, these cards are terrific!
wow, those are so special thank you for sharing. what a cool idea. You left one out though, a huge part of you, creativity.
thank you for sharing your soul collage cards and experience with us Jeanie
we are each walking stories aren't we with old and new chapters spinning and turning and coming back again
your 'grief' card speaks to me especially ... sitting with my hand on my heart and your heart!
take care of yourself
oxo
Your cards are full of depth and meaning. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Oh Jeanie these SOUL collages are a great idea - I think I need to do this too.
It's digging deep within and coming to terms with real emotions, some that lie low within and need to be acknowledged.
I often have that drowning feeling - being pulled in too many directions at once - we need to say NO at these times.
Your images are incredible.
A great post and thank you for baring your soul dear Jeanie.
Shane ♥
Someday, I will learn about Soul Collage. These look very interesting.
Now this is a workshop I would enjoy. Your cards are very special.
This reminds me that there are essential parts of ourselves that never change. They may become more refined but are always at the center of who we are. Krista's recent selection of her wedding dress is a good case in point. She was 19-20 when she saw a dress that she fell in love with. Eight years went by and one day the time was right. She went shopping for the all important dress and after trying on many styles ended up choosing a dress that was very much like that dress she saw so many years ago.
What a cool workshop. Were you mentally exhausted after it? Love seeing your inner self through art!
What beautiful cards - even apart from their interesting meanings. You are a talented artist, Jeanie. I wonder what I'd put on my cards. Strangely, I find that as I get older I am not quite the person I always thought I was. I'm not sure yet if that is good or bad :)
What a unique collection of soul collages! I like them all, but have to say i resonate most with the time ones. Excellent images. Thanks for sharing with us, Jeanie!
When I started to read this post my heart sank. O no, soul food.
I was very wrong. Your cards are excellent in design and execution and they actually say something worth saying.
In your place I would keep them forever.
Amazing cards - so evocative!
I've aways had a special admiration for those who can create amazing collages. These are just so cohesive and beautiful.
The cards are wonderful - I'm especially drawn to the ship and the rocks. How long has it been since you've listened to Aaron Neville's version of La Vie Dansante? It's a perfect song for a journey back to health!
VERY fun to see you collage cards, Jeanie and see what they say about you. We do grow, we do change, but much of who we are is who are that doesn't change so very much. It's interesting! Thanks for sharing these... Happy Days ((HUGS))
Each a window to your soul. I absolutely love each one. I couldn't agree more with you about time, the feeling of being fragmented, and even the masks, although I tend to be very transparent but there's always a little holding back for the sake of peace. Sigh... ;)
I think the one I can relate to the most right now is the feeling of being fragmented, of everyone wanting a piece of me or what I can do for them. It is one of the reasons I had to step back from creating a little and simply breathe again. I'm slowly getting my creative energies back. I am a giver and givers often forget to give to themselves too. :)
Wishing you a beautiful weekend, my friend. Breathe... ;)
Those are so beautiful! What a great window to your soul! I can relate to the many hands that want a piece of you... I feel that way right now. I have so many phone calls to return and emails to send and people to get together with, but at the same time, I'm really tired. And I don't feel like talking these days...
The collages are amazing! Had heard of this book before but forgot. Thank you for the reminder and for sharing the meaning of your cards. I think it would be helpful to try this exercise. I was just thinking this week about "old souls". Sometimes I feel like mine is one of these, although I really don't believe in reincarnation. It would explain the draw some people have to older places and things.
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