This Week’s Month’s Inquiry
(next inquiry coming to you beginning of September)
This week’s inquiry is a story by Portia Nelson, "Autobiography In Five Short Chapters" and ideas of how to work with it in a transformative way.
Art-Making Inquiry
Below are ideas of how you might work with the story as this month’s inquiry. I do recommend reviewing the "writing your truth" inquiry from last August for guidance with the journal writing. It’s online at: http://www.artasaccess.com/2007/08/15/writing-your-truth/
1) Read the "Autobiography In Five Short Chapters" below and then journal what comes up in response to it – thoughts, memories, feelings, body sensations and new insights. When you are done writing, reread what you wrote and highlight a phrase or two that stands out for you. Create a collage in response to the phrase.
2) Review what’s happening in your life experience and choose a pattern that feels like a "hole". Ask yourself what chapter you are in with this. Reread that chapter and see what comes up for you. Write in your journal. When you are done writing, reread what you wrote and highlight a phrase or two that stands out for you. Create a collage in response to this phrase. Repeat as desired with other patterns.
3) Think back to a time in your past when you worked through the story with a "hole" and now walk down a different street. How was it in the beginning? What did the process look like for you? How is it now? Really take in and acknowledge the process, the consciousness you have now that lets you choose freely in this area of life. Reread what you wrote and highlight a phrase or two that stands out for you. Create a collage in response to this phrase.
4) Take a phrase out of the story, for example, "I am helpless" and write in your journal spontaneously about whatever comes to mind. Notice your thoughts, feels and body sensations. If an image comes to mind, give it form using collage, drawing or another medium. Reread what you wrote and highlight a phrase or two that stands out for you. Create a collage in response to this phrase.
5) Take a phrase out of the story, for example, "My eyes are open." and collage a response to it. What does "My eyes are open" look like for you as image, color, texture, and form. Journal how the process creating the collage was for you – thoughts, feelings and body sensations.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS
by Portia Nelson
1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost…I am helpless.
It isn’t my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.
2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don’t see it.
I fall in again.
I can’t believe I am in the same place
but, it isn’t my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in…it’s a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
5
I walk down another street.
Warm up Exercise
1) Create five quick collages that "tell" a story for you. For each collage, write one sentence or a few words.
2) Create one "story" collage in response to the five collages and words written above.
My Art Work as Inspiration for Your Art Work
I share my artwork here with you to inspire you to create your artwork. It is through your art-making that you will discover more about who you are.
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| 80208-2.jpeg, magazine images & paper, 2008, 12" x 12", |
73008.jpeg, magazine images & paper, 2008, 12" x 12" |
70708.jpeg, |
You can click on an image or its title to see a larger version within the online
gallery.
I always welcome a connection with you. If you would like to share about
the inquiry, art-making or other things happening in life, please feel
free to contact
me.
Previous inquiries are online at www.artasaccess.com/resources/inquiries
Have
a great week and live in the remembrance that in all of time, there will only be one you. Your greatest gift to yourself and the world is the expression of your authentic self. By using art-making to connect deeply with yourself, may you find the courage and strength to share your beautiful, joyous self with the world.
-Ryl
Who do you know that would benefit from reading this?
Please share it with them.