*A note from the Web Master*
Welcome to the Illustrated Soul website
This website is devoted to the use of the SoulCollage® technique to promote self-exploration, personal healing and transformation.
Roberta Rook’s vision is that through the facilitation of the SoulCollage® process, she can assist others in deepening their connection with their true Essence. Roberta will be offering SoulCollage® groups, workshops, and trainings, open to all on the journey towards Awareness. Please click on the left-hand border Upcoming Events link for more information on groups and training.
What is SoulCollage®?
SoulCollage® is an interactive and dynamic technique using collage-making to explore aspects of the self, life roles, important relationships with others, life patterns/themes, and the spiritual imagery/guides one uses to derive meaning from life experience.
Collages made using the SoulCollage® process are small and of a uniform size, the purpose of this being that participants create a deck of collaged cards from “found” images—such as those taken from magazines, calendars, books, or personal photos.
Therefore, the process does not require artistic ability, though many artists and those with artistic tendencies are drawn to SoulCollage®.
There are four basic types, or “suits”, of collages used in the SoulCollage® process. An infinite number of collages of each of these suits can be made, so that with time an individual can create a whole collection of collages. This collection, or deck, can then be drawn from when there is an important life question or issue to consider. Therefore, the same collection of collages can be experienced in a new way each time a few are selected from a deck. Each time there will be new combinations, as well as new things to see in each collage.
Individuals can make collages on their own or within a group setting. Within a group, collages are discussed and explored using role-playing and non-judgmental feedback. Those who create SoulCollage® cards learn “speak from the image”, rather than about it, and to journal what they spoken from the imagery. This role-playing of the image is more active and alive than a detached description of what the picture is about. Whether created in solitude or within the group, the collages enable those who create them to develop a powerful visual and written record of the journey that is life!
In a SoulCollage® group, members provide witness to each other's creations and deeply listen to what each card-maker has to say about his or her collage. With the card-maker's permission, group members offer supportive feedback and open inquiry about each card made. Each member therefore has the experience of having the inner parts depicted in the cards truly seen and respected by others. Feedback offered in a spirit of non-judgment and compassion can further enhance each card-maker's understanding of the meaning of a card. Connections made in this way can be profound.
It is deeply spiritual work, yet a person of any faith tradition, philosophy, or spiritual background can use it. Making a SoulCollage® is at once relaxing, fun, revealing, and an exercise in self-transformation—there is really nothing like it!