Making Crosses

A year ago a colleague and friend loaned me a book called, "Making Crosses: A Creative Connection to God" by Ellen Morris Prewitt. This friend knows my love for giving a new purpose to what others would ordinarily discard. The book offers steps, reflections, and journal exercises to guide you in making crosses.

As a graphic designer, I see the cross as the ultimate example of a logo. It is really quite brilliant. Anyone can draw one. Two simple lines and voila you have a cross. The symbol is easily recognizable no matter your own faith tradition or geographical location. I was raised a christian and perhaps it is this familiar shape that speaks to me. When I look at a cross, I see more than a perfect logo, I also see the stories of struggle and mystery, of love and hope.

If you are not of a Christian background this symbol can be seen as a crossroads. It is a great visual for representing the paths in your life, a point of intersection, and a place to check in before moving on in a journey.

To get started on my own cross making practice, I pulled out a large hat box that is stuffed with dried materials left over from my Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) practice. For my first series of crosses, I was drawn to natural materials.

Each cross has a story to tell - a very personal story for each cross is made of materials we are drawn to and are reflections of what we hold in our hearts. Like all of my art, I worked intuitively to make the crosses, followed then by time in quiet reflection with a journal to explore the stories for each cross. Storytelling has the power to heal - when we share our stories we learn that we are not alone in our struggles. Often we find resolution. We also have the ability to reframe the story in a way that empowers us. Here I share with you my story as told in these five crosses.

Cross 1: Believe
bleached kiwi branch, eucalyptus pods, and seashell

As I looked at this cross I thought, "What are you struggling with?" A torrent of emotions welled up and shook my body like a violent storm. I was watching myself and silently asked, "What is behind this strong reaction?" Looking at this sweet little cross I heard the question, "What do you believe?"

After thinking a bit I replied, "I still don't know." For most of my life and even today I have difficulty speaking the name God. For me it is rife with a history of how man's ego has acted out so violently throughout the centuries in the name of God. In my own life I've been saddened to witness albeit far lesser trespasses on the name by mean and petty "Christians." From a young age and even today I struggle separating man from religion. How much of traditional religions are divinely inspired and how much is designed by man to serve man? I mean no blaspheme here and wish to add that in my work of the last 6 years, I have come to know so many dear, honest, and faith-filled people who inspire me to look closer with an open heart. What I do know is that we are part of something bigger. I have been blessed to witness miracles every day, yes every single day. And kismet seems to dance in front of me asking, "When will you get it?" But what exactly am I to get?

I turn to my next cross.

Cross 2: Spiritual Growth
safari sunset for cross bars and decorated with grevallia
both materials are from South Africa 

My second cross speaks of growth with the full branches of leaves and an unusual flower at the center. I gravitate to contemplative practices in my every day life and this cross reminds me just how important this is for me.

Cross 3: Harvesting Humility
corn broom 

This cross, made of broom corn reminds me of the autumn harvest. It also reminds me of the simple lifestyle of the Peche Indians I met when traveling in Honduras. They used branches as brooms and would sweep their dirt floored homes with the leaves. When I look at this cross I am humbled and reminded that we do not need as much as we think we do. The cross speaks to me, "Live a simple life and you will reap a harvest that will nourish you and those whom you serve." 

Cross 4: Bound Together
pussy willow branches, leaves, starfish 

As I tied together three pussy willow branches, I imagined the leaf as a bandage that held together three parts of myself: the child, the mother, and the artist. The starfish was attached with another leaf at the center of the cross. Doesn't the starfish look playful? It is as if there are outstretched arms and it is dancing. As I seek to balance the different archetypes and roles, the dualities of my mind and body, I see how important it is to approach life as a dance for when I resist, I feel the struggle. 

Cross 5: Forgiveness
Japanese foxtail pussywillow, seed pod, red dogwood branch 

This last cross is perhaps the most intriguing to me.

At the center is a prickly seed pod that is empty of all seeds and a branch of red dogwood, twisted and turned to form a loop.

The top bears several branches reaching out. I sat for quite a time looking up on my wall of crosses thinking, "What is the story behind this cross?" I sat still in silence. I sat and sat. My mind seemed empty. On a small table next to the crosses I pulled out my box of Zen cards and randomly choose a card. FORGIVENESS came up. "Ah-ha! Yes, forgiveness is the name of this cross." I've been exploring forgiveness in the last seven years and more recently the focus has been turned inward on forgiving myself. As I look back on that first cross and my struggle, perhaps it is time to open my heart and forgive those who have been so very human, broken, and misguided?

The back of the Zen card reads:

FORGIVE

yourself and everyone

around you. When you

judge others, YOU

are the one who feels

pain. Through

forgiveness, all pain

disappears.

MAKING CROSSES

My cross making practice has only just begun. Ash Wednesday kicks off the Lent series on March 8th and my intention is to continue making crosses only varying the materials looking for rusty objects, broken dishes, papers and ephemera. I have to warn you though, if you get started, you will find it hard to stop.

I actually started my journey on the first Sunday of Advent and as Lent approaches it continues. What I seek is my best self - healthy, vibrant, and whole-hearted. I include other healthy and contemplative practices with my cross making - yoga, meditations, exercise, healthy foods, journal keeping are among my activities. I know when I'm my best self, then I can best serve others.

I invite you to take up your own journey during the 40 days of Lent. Try making a cross of your own. Consider getting together with your friends to share this creative practice - and be sure to leave time for telling the stories of the crosses. You may find that your crosses make a perfect gift.

I was thinking that it would be really fun to pull together a gallery of crosses made by people all over the world for Easter. As a little incentive I have two prizes. For International submissions I have a copy of the book, "Making Crosses." For US submissions I have a copy of the book, plus some assorted materials from my stash of dried goodies including branches, shells, chestnuts, etc. I didn't think I could send these materials in an international package so I thought I would offer a book to each group. Here is how to participate.

1. Design a cross using found materials. Maybe you'll take a week to collect materials before you sit down to work. One suggestion from the book is to select items to honor from your past. To get organized, consider setting up a table just for this practice so you don't have to complete your project in one sitting. When I work I allow myself to slow down and observe the process. Feeling resistance? Breath into it and let go of any expectations. Turn to your journal to empty yourself of any frustration. Remind yourself that you have everything you need to make your cross.

2. Post a photo of your cross on your blog.

3. Include a link back to www.truenortharts.com on your blog post.

4. In your blog post share the materials used, the name of your cross, and if you feel comfortable, the story of your cross. (I know this can get personal and I want you to feel safe sharing your stories.)

5. Come back to this post and leave a comment. Be sure to let me know what country you are in. If you are in the US please add what state you are in. You may also write to me directly at kathrynantyr@mac.com

6. Submit your entry by Friday, April 15, 2011 at midnight EST.

7. I'll post the CROSS GALLERY and announce the two winners on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

Go! Collect some materials and fashion yourself a cross. In this creative time, look inward. Listen to your heart. May you find a deeper connection to the divine. I look forward to seeing your beautiful crosses!

{soul hugs}

Kathryn, Collage Diva

 

 

Comments

[jan avellana]

thank you so much for sharing this thought provoking post and your own tender process. this is a wonderful opportunity for me to begin the practice of self-reflection as the lenten draws near. hugs to you on your journey. :)

[CC in WI]

Wow, I love this idea. I am in and will be letting you know how it goes. I will be sharing this with my friends today.
Thanks.

[Allison Lynn]

What a fantastic idea!

[sonyamacdesigns]

I love this ... I'm in bot I can not wait till april for the book ... so I'm off to amazon ... Thanks for the inspiration!

[Starbear ~ aka Betsy]

Kathryn - what a beautiful project and piece of writing about it. Thank you for sharing so very gently the feelings of your heart, many of which I share.
B;essings~

[Kathleen Harrington]

This is a wonderful project, Kathryn! I am at a gigantic crossroads in my life right now. I can use this project to help me reframe what is often overwhelming into something with stability, support, and inspiration!

[Lisa]

Thank-you so much Kathryn for the inspiration. I was so excited that I have made my cross and posted it on my blog already. I live in Canada :)

[Kathryn - Collage Diva]

Lisa I am so thrilled that you were inspired to make a cross and even more heartened by the theme and how you felt while making it. Art making is my favorite way of relaxing, tuning in, and finding peace. Your cross is beautiful. The butterfly has a very special meaning for me as does the theme for your cross. Love to you!

{soul hugs}
Kathryn, Collage Diva

[Bev Baird]

What a fabulous idea. I love the idea of creating and naming the crosses and tying all this with Lent. I too have been trying to get healthier and in fact have lost 10 pounds.

[Wendy Fedan]

Absolutely wonderful!! Thanks for sharing!!!! I'll have to check out this book!

[Sara Rae]

Love, love, love this idea. I love being able to find ways to incorporate my faith into my art and creativity. I was hoping to try a new art project over the weekend...I thin I found it! :)

[Linda Vincent]

Hi Kathryn....lovely to hear from you :-)
This is a great post and such a wonderful idea. I am now looking for materials....

[teri]

There you go again, Kathryn. You're such an inspiration. I have fond memories of my mom folding the palms on Palm Sunday into a cross, making intricate bends and twists so that the green and pliant fronds would remain together as they dried. But I've never thought of making a cross from anything else! xoxo

[AJ Kreations]

So creative...I love it!