The Invisible Bridge - A therapeutic creative art-making group: integrating science and the sacred

Please join us as we gather together for self-inquiry through creative collage making process.

In person or online

*art in image by Yianni Giovanoglou

Using guided creative art-making processes we will explore how this mindful practice can facilitate the integration of altered states so we can honour personal wisdom as medicine for soulful living. This community will provide a supportive container to make sense and meaning of the often ineffable world of altered states.
Workshop Structure:

Collage isn’t new, it has been around for thousands of years. But collage can allow us to be kids again. It can help us think outside of the square and the limitations that language can sometimes pose and construct imaginary worlds, scenarios and even poetry. It can help us convey emotions and messages that otherwise may sometimes struggle to come through. Discover how collage can help us loosen up, relax and even discover things about ourselves. Let's have some fun and some interesting conversations along the way

What will we Cover?

A brief history of collage and the different types of collage out there
Tools of the trade
Methodology of how to collect and curate images for future works
A key exercise to help you prepare and compose the piece/pieces you’ll create
Create your piece to take home
Sharing and viewing of everyone's work (if people feel called to)
Gift: A curated collage pack for you to create additional pieces at home
NOTE: All materials provided but feel free to bring any personal magazines, photocopies of personal photos, books or images you’d like to include

Who is this for: This group will provide a container for self-inquiry using themes of nature, seasons, archetypes, poetry and plants. People aged 18 who are integrating altered states of consciousness (e.g psychedelics, brain injuries, spiritual emergence, near death experiences etc) and have a commitment and capacity to set intention and explore the sacred.

$35/ $25 concession
This session can be funded by the NDIS and TAC for approved participants.

Bio:Yianni (he/him) has had a colourful career in various creative roles over the years. He finds creativity is integral to finding our gifts to share with the world, allowing us to be in flow and keeping noise and fear at bay.It was during the pandemic in 2020 that he discovered his love of collage and how that could help him clear his mind, create imaginary worlds and reflect how he felt. It was this very hobby that has since seen him share his passion in community workshops, exhibitions and other work that keeps him pursuing it and dancing with it. Yianni is extremely enthusiastic about people finding the solace and comfort as well as the focus and joy that collage has given him. He believes that through art and being creative (whatever the medium) we can gain access, knowledge and insights into our emotions, we can go inwards or we can express outwards and share with the world, hopefully inspiring and connecting with people along the way.

This will be a respectful and inclusive group. There will be zero tolerance for harmful behaviour such as discrimination or violence of any sort.

SOL promotes harm reduction and decriminalisation however people who are under the influences of substances or alcohol are advised not to attend for the safety of the group.

If you are having particularly challenging mental health issues on the evening of the group, please contact us to discuss your needs.

While we appreciate sharing of experience to acknowledge personal healing processes we ask that you bring your best listening skills and practice holding space for others rather than offering advice or solutions. The purpose of this art-making practice is self-inquiry.

All of the practices will be gentle and reflective. We are not looking to trigger or activate personal stories or trauma, we are looking for the cohesion of experiences through the process of art-making. However, if you feel that you require psychological support please contact Dr Lani Roy directly alana@thesignsoflife.com.au

SOL Harm Reduction Stance

SOL acknowledges that psychedelics are currently illegal in Australia. SOL advocates for decriminalisation and provides nuanced harm reduction services. SOL does not endorse or encourage illegal use of psychedelics.
SOL acknowledges freedom of consciousness and the many ways people may choose to take psychedelics (clinical, ceremonial, solo and guided processes).
Please be aware of the legal context that impacts your personal situation and the potential benefits and risks to self and others.
SOL acknowledges that many of these medicines have been woven into indigenous communities for thousands of years.
SOL has so much to learn about ayni/reciprocity, sustainability and shamanistic models of health care. Due to the psychedelic renaissance we are seeing both a rapid growth of scientific trials and changes in policies and laws around the world.
SOL consults across this global community and information provided in SOL programs does need to be considered alongside your current legal context.