About 7 years ago, I made my first altar for a “Day of the Dead” group art exhibit at a local Mexican restaurant in New York. It was in honor of my dog, Java, who passed away several months earlier. Creating the altar was a profoundly healing experience, as I had the quiet time and space to reconnect with the bittersweet memories Java gave me, as well as grieve her loss. The altar acted as a sanctuary for her spirit, and gave me a great source of comfort.
To me, art is a powerful vehicle to express what is in the heart. I found that altars and shrines resonated as the art form that best helped me to express my language of the heart. I soon realized that altars didn’t have to be limited to honoring a loved one’s passing, but had many other “healing properties”. A friend made one to put closure on her marriage. A client of mine constructed an altar to remind her of the joys that enter her life everyday. I recently made one as a vehicle to explore my “authentic self”. Truly, the possibilities are endless.
The Latin translation of the word, “altar” means something that is held high.
For centuries, altars have been a way of holding life sacred. Every culture in the world builds altars to sanctify humanity and the relationship to the Divine.
As a life coach and therapist, my work involves a different kind of “altering.” Over the years, I have given much thought to how I could join the words “altar” and “alter” together, as a modality for change. Based on something an individual wants to modify, release, forgive, heal, i.e. alter in their lives, an altar structure becomes a symbolic representation of this personal change.
I believe there is more involved in the process of change than calling on the cognitive part of our brains. Making a personal piece of art awakens the unconscious mind, which can provide a pathway toward a deeper awareness of what yearns to be expressed, acknowledged or understood in order for the transformation to truly take place.
Making Your Own Altar:
It is not at all necessary to have had any previous art experience to make an altar. All you need is an intention to create something that is meaningful for you. For example, if you are a care-giver, you might want to make an altar for unconditional love, patience, or one that would reflect daily courage and perserverence. Perhaps you would like to make one for the person you are caring for that would act as a visual reminder to the person of healing, or a memento of meaningful parts of their lives.
Getting Started: Here is a list of some basic materials with which to make a personal shrine.
- A small box, around the size of a cigar box, for the base. Wood is the best material, as it is easy to paint.
- Gesso, for priming the surface of the box. This will make it easier to paint later.
- Acrylic or tempera paints
- A couple of paint brushes (1/4” to 1” wide), and a bristle brush (which you can find in any hardware store) to apply glue.
- Glue. Elmer’s Glue is good for small, light objects, but use something stronger, like Tacky Glue for heavier items. (The latter can be found in any craft’s store. It dries clear, and is non-toxic). When your painting is completed, consider giving the whole surface a coat of Acrylic Medium (Matte or Gloss) to preserve the surface.
- Found objects (charms, sea-shells, buttons, small pieces of costume jewelry, etc). Anything that represents something about the subject matter.
- Photo-xerox copies of photograph
- Glitter, rubber stamps, ribbon, thread, fabric remnants. (Optional)
Once you have selected your materials, the first thing to do is paint the box. Give it at least one coat of gesso, letting each coat dry completely before adding the next coat. Then you can begin to paint.
After you have completed painting, begin gluing your objects to the surface. Remember to consider using all areas of the box (outside as well as inside). Try to be mindful of the placement of the objects and/or photos before permanently gluing them into place.
I hope you will receive as much joy from creating a personal shrine as I do from the experience. I invite you to contact me at: Shrineworkshops if I can answer any questions, or if you would like to send pictures of your work.
Carol LaBarbera
