Resurrection After Rape Community Group
Discussion, question-and-answer, general social support, and journal processing for progress-oriented rape survivors. No crisis, no damaging or triggering conflicts--this is for individuals who want to contribute to collective, cooperative action toward the goal of making actual PROGRESS through rape trauma. Much of this work is based on the book "Resurrection After...
This is an idea we've kinda talked about in general terms, but never come to a firm position on, as a group. The concept was that people could decorate plates with representations of "bad stuff" on one side, and a solid color painted on the other. Then they could be smashed...whether for fun, catharsis, etc., and the pieces gathered. They could be laid into a mosaic in something like plaster, with the "negative" side down and the colored side forming a mosaic image like the word "PEACE" in a shadow box frame.
I like the idea. Here are the issues:
1. I'm not exactly sure what substance to use for the mosaic. Plaster of paris? Grout? Plaster can be colored with pigments, but is also brittle.
2. Shadow boxes are not very affordable at the moment. Hobby Lobby says they'll be on sale next week, though, for 50% off. Not that helpful for us right now; it would mean possibly collecting the pieces for us Okies to finish on our own, post-retreat.
3. Not sure how the church feels about us smashing things on the property. Any issues with sharp edges? Liability issues? Possibly; they're already being very generous with the sweatlodge and fires.
4. I've been told privately that smashing plates is actually a trigger, relating to a father's anger. Any unforeseen issues in addition to this disclosure that ought to also be considered?
5. The original concept was that instead of people bringing plates with them, they'd donate for me to stockpile them from local thrift store and restaurant supply shops. Except that those donations for the plate project never actually came in.
Is the "plate project" something people really, really want to do? I could possibly make it happen with some last-minute maneuvering (I have Martine here to help), but I need to know it's an activity very much desired.
On the other hand, for those newcomers, we'll have the Survivor's Quilt in progress AND new materials for people to create and add new designs for its expansion!
I like the idea. Here are the issues:
1. I'm not exactly sure what substance to use for the mosaic. Plaster of paris? Grout? Plaster can be colored with pigments, but is also brittle.
2. Shadow boxes are not very affordable at the moment. Hobby Lobby says they'll be on sale next week, though, for 50% off. Not that helpful for us right now; it would mean possibly collecting the pieces for us Okies to finish on our own, post-retreat.
3. Not sure how the church feels about us smashing things on the property. Any issues with sharp edges? Liability issues? Possibly; they're already being very generous with the sweatlodge and fires.
4. I've been told privately that smashing plates is actually a trigger, relating to a father's anger. Any unforeseen issues in addition to this disclosure that ought to also be considered?
5. The original concept was that instead of people bringing plates with them, they'd donate for me to stockpile them from local thrift store and restaurant supply shops. Except that those donations for the plate project never actually came in.
Is the "plate project" something people really, really want to do? I could possibly make it happen with some last-minute maneuvering (I have Martine here to help), but I need to know it's an activity very much desired.
On the other hand, for those newcomers, we'll have the Survivor's Quilt in progress AND new materials for people to create and add new designs for its expansion!
As for the making of the final piece...you do use grout to join them. You can use the same tile adhesive you use to put up tile, to affix the pieces to the board. And, you only need a simple piece of wood...not sure how a shadow box would work for this. But, now that I see this in writing...perhaps it is too much trouble and expense to pull off.
As for triggers, and I dont want to sound insensitive, but people could sit out. One thing we've all been encouraged to do is face those triggers and step outside the box. It may not be evrryones "right time" for that, but if not even given the opportunity, how will they know? I slapped my campfire smoke trigger in the face last year and damn proud of it.
If its too much trouble at this point, I understand. All it would take is 4 2x2s to frame it and were good.
Let me know how I can help, and I will. If this doesnt happen, is there a similar evoking of spirit we can do?
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