Art Directive: Soul Collage – Symbolic Collage

The main objective of this art directive is to apply art as therapy to better improve self-soothing skills, focus, positive self-image, and personal creative voice. Utilizing personal imagery and symbolism is a tool to help with self-esteem, self-affirmations, and positive attributes in oneself with the intent to foster mindfulness in self-reflection, imagery, and language. Collage as an activity is a non-intimidating way to create imagery that helps represent emotions and words. The process of collage allows for creative engagement and ideas while finding images that symbolize personal meaning.

Materials Needed

• One piece of cardstock cut to 6x8 inches

• Scissors

• Various magazines

• Gluestick

• Writing utensil of your choice

Steps

Begin by creating a relaxed and reflective workspace taking a few moments to consciously breathe and set an intention for your creative art session. You may play soft music for a calm ambiance.

On the back of your cardstock, write one of the following questions:

“What do I need right now?”
“How am I feeling?”
“Who am I?”
Write and then flip the card over.

Sort through various magazines looking for imagery that speaks to them and tearing imagery out. The goal is to find what is appealing without questioning it or finding imagery that reflects a personal emotion or symbol.

Once satisfied with the selected imagery, begin collaging onto your card by cutting out and arranging images to create a final composition. Once satisfied with the placement, apply the images to the card with glue.

Reflect and connect. What imagery is symbolic to you? How does this image answer your question?