A few days
ago I was reading Prince Lenormand’s blog where he was telling us about Soulcollage. I’ve heard about this before but you know what mostly happens: It was
buried beneath a lot of other “great
Idea’s for future times”. I am familiar with collage since I like to do art
journaling, which for me is a combination between collage and painting. But
Soulcollage is just you , some magazines scissors and glue.
You flip
through the magazines, cut out everything that’s appealing to you and past it
on a piece of cardboard. When you have several those, you’re starting to form
your own deck which is a reflection of your soul and you're needs, wishes and desires. The real Soulcollage is also
dividing the cards into suits and has more specific ways of making them and working
with them, but I would rather just see my cards as my own oracle.
While
flipping through my magazines I discovered that some pictures just work for me
without adding anything else: what more can you add to a bear in the woods, or
a hand with a tiny mindfulness cymbal. Sometimes I add a different background
to a person or for instance some
butterflies to a pondering woman representing clear thoughts.
The fun
thing about collage is, you can always add more elements to a card. And for me it is very easy to start working on a card because if you don’t like it
you can start over. Even when you are growing to dislike a certain card you can
always put it aside for a while. It is also a learning point not to
obsess about bulges, bobbles and glue stains, just to let go of my perfectionism.
It’s not necessary
to add names and descriptions to the cards because the moment you start making them
you know what they mean and why you’re making them. And without keywords the meaning
can more flexible. I've made about
eleven cards now and it is so good to just look at them and feel who I am. In time this will become a very personal customized oracle deck just myself. J
I did Soul Collage with some other women years ago, and it was both fun and an eye opener to see the images I was attracted to. Hope you enjoy yourself!
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying this very much. It is almost addicting
DeleteI took an all day class in this some years ago. It was fun.
ReplyDeletehttp://kalamaquilts.blogspot.com/2009/03/soul-collage.html is the blog post I made about the process.
I've read you post. It would be fun to do in a group
DeleteI love it, what a great idea, and soothing/meditative at the same time…..
ReplyDeleteIt is. I've been doing it today for a few hours and I feel great and so relaxed
DeleteI dunno, I prefer the idea of doing this sort of thing on a computer with images from the internet. After all, what if the image you want is totally the wrong size for your card? Plus, I have to admit we haven't had anything other than freebie magazines in this house for years :)
ReplyDeleteStill, I definitely like the idea of creating your own oracle, with images that speak to you particularly. I loved spotting a hedgehog in the images you'd cut out - they hold a special place in my heart. My grandma used to look after at least one every winter, make sure it stayed warm enough and didn't get squashed. A reminder, then, of these sweet but prickly creatures, and of my warm-hearted grandma :D
I've done also "computer collages" But I tend to keep looking for the perfect picture. There are thousands of hedgehogs on the internet. Which one should I choose. HELP! When I'm flipping through my magazines. (handouts from my mother :)) I am happy with what I can find and if the picture does't fit so be it, I just put some pictures with it or use only a piece of it :D
DeleteWell, you've definitely gotten into the spirit of it :) Will look forward to seeing some more of your images!
DeleteHi Ellen! It´s a wonderful idea! I think it's a kind of therapy, including all the process (look for images, and specially when choose it, cut, paste) and the best is to have a customized deck :). Your images are lovely!!! You have inspired me!!!! What about the number of cards? Thanks and Muchas Estrellas!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Las Magas. The total number of cards is infinite. I see making these cards a a life long process. Since you are changing and growing so will your deck. Cards will be added and cards will be put aside. Love to see some of your cards when they're finished
DeleteThank you Ellen for your information!!!! By now I'm collecting all the magazines around at home, as soon as I have some cards I'll tell you and I'll publish them in the blog. And...don't forget to buy your "lazy slippers" Jaja! :D Muchas Estrellas!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteThese are great, Ellen. You've done a far better job than me! I find it hard to just let go and enjoy the freedom of it all. I spend a lot of time searching for the right images, when really, I should just pull out things naturally. And then when I have them, I get perfectionist about how they should fit and whether they fit well at all, visually. I'm yet to have much success but I will persevere. I may post some of the images I make on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post and look forward to seeing more of your creations.
It's a perfect exercise in letting go of perfectionism (so good for me too :))
DeleteIt was an eyeopener to discover you don't have to put many elements into a collage. For me the message can be just as strong with one picture
Please notify me when you put your cards on twitter because I don't have an account
I will do, Ellen. I haven't plucked up the courage to have another go yet, but I will.
ReplyDeleteI think the ones with less images are stronger.
I am sure you will,
Deleteand I am looking forward to see them :)