I have worked with paper figures for some time. They are fun to work with, do not take that long, and I am quite crazy about all the options there are, to use all kinds of paper and cardboard in the process: magazines, advertisements, postcards, newspapers, books, copies and more.
I saw a similar figure in Pamela Hasting's book; “Paper Doll Inspiration”, where slightly primitive figures were put together and connected. I loved the idea, and felt like doing something similar. I decided to make a chain of my ancestors. In the beginning I wanted them all, but they were thinned out over time. It took a long time to find photos and select paper and photos out for the collage.
In my universe, it often becomes a profound shamanistic approach, and the whole process was sensitive and brought realizations and memories with it. During the process, I felt that I came close to the women I decend from, and the different images and symbols, told me stories about my relationship with them, as well as about the life and the connection we have had together.
I switched out several times, and also painted over a single time.
On the front of the figures, there is a picture of the face of my female relations, smiling and beautiful. It makes me proud to know what amazing women have raised me, loved me, shaped me and who are my heritage and ballast.
On the back there is a childhood picture. It is beautiful to experience both the child and the woman, and feel how they live in me, for better or worse. We were all just little children, and totally innocent from the start. We were just born into a world not designed to express the power and wisdom of women.
A common word that I can feel is for all five of them is; “Survivor”. These are proud, upright, beautiful, intelligent, wise women who survived and who express beauty, wisdom and power.
When I felt the 5 figures were finished, I tied them together. Considered who should hold each other's hands. Also considering whether to add my two daughters and my granddaughter? Decided to wait. This is my background, my DNA, my female allies. Maybe my girls even do this work one day?
When they were bound together, I lit a candle in their midst, and blew sage over them, one by one, along with a little blessing. Felt a longing in the heart. How would it feel to stand with them in a physical circle? To feel the unity and the common power?
My mom is dead and my sister is not talking to my dad's family so it remains a dream and longing. However, it felt powerful and genuine to gather them with light and blessing.
Here they are:
