By turning to some of the oldest cultures and rituals of the world, I have sought new forms of ritual that can help transmit these ideas with beauty and meaning. Several mothers and I decided to form a special girl's group to help our daughters find, and hold on to, their voice in a world that constantly discourages women's values - those of healthy relationships and community. The girls are ages 11-15, and mothers participate at the girl's invitation, if they wish. Ritals, symbolism, and ancient cultures are explored to help define what it means to be an individual and a woman. Art is a major tool.
Art produces individual, unfamiliar results.
I have a theory that many girls use their creativity to turn themselves into art objects, with make up and fashion, because of the need to be accepted and loved. I prefer to see them work with art expressing internal issues. The inner voice we draw on from within is familiar to children, but not clearly identified as part of their future being. Often, girls aged 11 -15 are treated by adults with a barrage of discipline and rules. This may stem from the adult's own fears about the dangers the children are facing in a world gone astray, or perhaps their unresolved conflicts from their own early life.