Creating A Healing Collage - Healing Arts Project

Making Art is very symbolic. When in the process of making art, the artist (you) are brainstorming, you are finding ways through the maze puzzle that is the exploration of ideas, you are weaving your way to your center of understanding. Making healing art is an active meditative adventure focusing on gathering energy and focusing it on a specific point before you.
When beginning any healing activity, first find a calm center within myself. Focusing on your gentle natural rhythmic breath will have an immediate calming effect on your entire body. Through out your art making, or anytime you feel stuck, just remember to breathe, and you will be able to move forward.
Get a sketchbook for your notes and sketches, and a folder to hold your work in progress and for your finished images. Have this book available to jot down any ideas and information about your healing with art and as you begin and work through any project.

Allow your self to think of an endless abundance of healing energy, see that it is there for you and everyone wanting to draw from it. In a prayerful manner ask that you allow yourself to take within whatever energy you can hold, and that you be made aware of understandings necessary to help you through this healing journey. Ask that joy, inner peace and happiness be present to support you, and come through you as you into your creation.

Getting Started with Your Healing Collage
Assemble whatever you want to use from the Materials List -
Materials List - Assemble pencils, pens, pastels, crayon, magazines, cutout pictures, glue stick, white glue, fabric remnants, yarn and other fibers, symbolic objects, photographs, papers (variety of colors and textures), watercolors, scissors, brushes, matt board.

Find a place to work on your project, someplace you will be undisturbed for a few hours.
Ask in the spirit of what ever you believe that you be guided and supported in your healing art journey. If you are creating a healing work for a loved one, ask that you be a vehicle for healing energy to support that one, and that the person be open to your intentions.

Now quietly sit and imagine the color(s) of healing energy, don't be concerned if you don't actually see a color(s). The understanding and experience is different for each person. Some people feel the color(s); there are others who hear them.
Ask your self what images do you associate with healing, are there smells, sounds, specific activities?

Breathe into the thoughts that come to you, as you work, remember to breathe, and hold positive thoughts and images of healing, of joy, happiness and peace. If unwanted thoughts enter your mind, don't fight them, just continue to breathe and allow them to pass by as you pull your attention back to healing, joy, happiness, and peace energies.
Write down whatever comes to you at this time. Do not question whether you are doing it right. You can only do it right.
Affirm that you are a vehicle of healing love and light energy then continue.

To create your collage
Use the ideas and images that have come to you, and that you have jotted down in your book. Your notes may be directing you to express or represent a feeling, or may be leading you to concrete images specific to your healing focus.
If the cut-out images assembled are what you need to begin your collage, start placing the images on a piece of paper or matt board; if you don't have the images you want, grab the scissors and begin cutting or maybe it is more appropriate for you to tear. You may decide to begin with paper or paint of a specific color, or by drawing an image that you have noted in your book.

Keeping your focus on your healing intent, allow your collage image to develop. Take time as you work to pause and step away from it and remember to breathe. Remember, there is no right or wrong this is a process.

Patricia C. Coleman, Hart Rock is a Bloomington, IN artist creating uplifting imagery, including intuitive healing art, dolls, mask,angels and fairies. Private commissions considered. Patricia is available to facilitate a variety of classes and workshops, including the topics of storytelling, collaging, maskmaking, poetry writing, painting for the health of it, the healing power of color play, altar making, and ceremonial object facilitation including drum and rattle making.

In 2005 look for announcement of a 12-week art experience for anyone dealing with a healing crisis. Participants will collage, make mask, create portable altars, mandalas, memory boxes, hand-made books for journaling and more. No artistic experience is necessary to participate only a willingness to express who you are in the current moment and a willingness to share your story. Each workshop will be 2 1/2 hours.

To inquire about private or group classes and workshops, please contact Patricia.