Mika's back....

After a hiatus of several months, Mika, and her kids book story, are back on the drawing board. Shes had a makeover, as have the other characters and general style of the illustrations. The goal was a mix between traditional drawing and folk art. So Ive penciled in about seven of the twenty or so illustrations needed.

Im working on Arches100% cotton 185gsm watercolour paper, which is a bit lighter than Im used to, hence Im having to learn how to 'stretch' paper. Yep, like you do with canvas only different. Apparently it makes for ease of paint flow and stops buckling from washes.

Basically I got a 4 ply board and estapoled both sides and the edges to prepare it. Then you soak the watercolour paper in water for about ten minutes. Lifting it out you place it flat onto the prepared board, wiping off excess water. Then using special tape, which has a glue that activates when it gets wet, I taped the picture, with pencilwork side up, down to the board. Making sure to press out any bubbles or buckles. Ive just done this process with my first drawing, so apparently now i leave it to dry out on a flat surface, and then its time to add some colour to Mika's world. Exciting...

Soul retrieval...

Recently i undertook my first soul retrieval journey with Odettes contemporary shamanic guidance. The split apart that was retrieved was a small child part of me and she has gradually over the days since been absorbed into my body, where older, wiser aspects can care for her. She had been hiding under the bed (literally) for a long time and the kick back from the process has had its moments. Largely anxiety and feelings of vulnerability when out and about thats becoming knowing when to say enough, a lack of confidence that is evolving into finding a stronger voice. The thing with finding your voice, including parts that may have been silenced, is that its a bit of a one step forward two steps back situation initially. Integration occurs organically to its own timing.

 Soul fragmentation, called at times by psychology 'disassociation', occurs most often where there is trauma. In order to preserve a sense of self and survive, a part of the soul shoots off. Reconnecting to that part is a healing of embodiment, which can come with its confronting aspects. In the end though, we are here in body for the duration of our experience on planet earth 101 and becoming more present is a grounding and centring that soul retrieval expands upon. As adults we have more tools to begin to deal with and nourish through situations where we might have had limited empowerment as kids. In the same breath places where we have less presence as adults, can benifit from reintegrating child like parts that may have been missing for years.

So reintegration is a worthwhile process, as healing, but may come with its own challenges. Knowing to expect upsurges of emotions and memories can help, that these too shall pass.     




 

Little spirit....