Healing Plate Project for Survivors
Kintsugi art from Japan is based on reconstructing broken pieces.
“Many of us break a bowl or vase and think: garbage. But the Japanese art encourages us to the see potential for beauty in reconstructing the broken pieces.” (Candice Kumai)
Our team at PPGNY’s Victim Advocacy Services put together this project for survivors to create healing plates in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Things you will need: Dinner plate — plain any color you choose (not plastic, Gloves, Masking tape, 120 grit sandpaper, Zip lock bag Gallon size, Hammer, Super glue or craft glue, Sharpie, Craft paints & brushes, Any embellishments you would like to add
STEP 1
Wash and dry your plate and use 120 grit sandpaper to rough up the entire surface of the plate. This process allows paint to stick for later.
STEP 2
Take your masking tape with sharpie to write words you feel reflect the emotions associated with trauma caused by sexual assault. Use as much tape as needed to get every emotion or phrase you feel or might apply.
STEP 3
Place plate in ziplock. Once secured in the Ziplock bag, turn the plate over and hit with hammer using light to medium force. Striking the plate too hard will cause a lot of shards and inability to reassemble. Remember the survivor, “masked” in all these negative emotions.
STEP 4
Carefully peel the masking tape off of the broken pieces. Keep the healing process in mind while doing this. Edges are sharp, you’re stripping away the negative emotions and handling each piece with care to help preserve them in attempt to reassemble them.
STEP 5
Carefully paint the edges of each piece. Apply two generous coats, allowing drying time in between.
STEP 6
Using your choice of glue and masking tape reassemble the broken pieces. This process takes time and patience. Using the masking tape as “support” helped keep the pieces together allowing the glue to dry. You can’t be in a rush to put the whole plate back together. You must take your time and consider each piece.
STEP 7
Create a new face for your plate. Use whatever inspires you. This artist printed a design, carefully cut it out and used mod-podge for adhesive. They also touched up the edges with gold and used a glitter craft paint for the entire surface of the plate. Once that was dry, the artist added the word “Survivor” and then sealed the entire surface with gloss mod-podge.
Keep the masking tape on the back of the plate. Remember it takes constant support in the process of healing, and throughout life we will lean on these supports to help us overcome our trauma.
