She, Storyteller

A series to understand ourselves better, encourage reflection and personal growth through the symbolism and meaning of folk and fairytales

Fairytales come from a time in human history when storytelling was an essential and spiritual occupation. In the fairytale genre, grisly truths and important life clues arrive in symbolic form, allowing us to mull on tough material in a way that doesn’t topple us over.

This series is for all women (and women-identifying) who want to unpack the stories that have been told to us, the stories that we’ve believed and the stories that we wish to write for ourselves moving forward.

When you bite into the poison apple like Snow White, or prick your finger on that particular spinning wheel, you may fall into a very deep sleep.

Like in Sleeping Beauty, some curses land on us from the generation before and the only flimsy protection is the softening wish of the third fairy. It’s not enough…

When you are trapped and alone at the top of a tall tower, like Rapunzel you grow your hair and plot your escape. This takes time…

Outwitting those who wish to harm us, navigating power dynamics and dysfunctional families, existing within stifling gender roles – is this what it is to be a woman in 2024?

Over three classes, three fairytale-orientated, narrative processes are paired with grounding, hands-on craft activities to promote reflection and connection, as we follow a breadcrumb trail back to parts of ourselves that got lost along the way.

Dates

31st July 6:30-8:30pm The Fairytale Framework + Textured Painting
14th August 6:30 – 8:30pm Rediscovering the many faces of the powerful feminine + Clay sculpting
28th August 6:30-8:30pm Radical Fairytale re-imagining + Macrame Woman Planter

Schedule

6:30- 6:45pm Welcome and Mindfulness exercise to get everyone present and relaxed

6:45 – 7:45pm Lecture on different fairy tale processes and symbolism. Guided narrative self-process.

7:45pm – 8:30pm Crafting together to absorb, process and reflect over the class content and how it might apply to us.

Venue

City Art is located at 510-512 Elizabeth St, in front of the Vic Market. The space is fully accessible with accessible bathroom next door.

This space is managed by Creative Spaces.

Additional Information

The workshops interconnect as the content builds from one to the next. However, each workshop also offers stand-alone value and can be taken individually if that is the preference.

The workshops are geared towards women who love story as a medium and are interested to explore how fairy-tale symbolism might apply to life ‘on the ground’. This is an adult learning space and is not intended to be therapy or art therapy.

Connection and reflection are the two aims of the series. Regarding ‘connection’, you can expect the following: friendly faces, chatting and being together, absorbing information about symbolism and fairytales, drinking tea and doing craft with like-minded women.

This is a “self-work”, classroom style set up and not a deep sharing space or a women’s circle. You will not be required or encouraged to share information that is deeply personal to you.

Facilitators

Lisa Ritchie (she/her) is a Counselling Psychologist and University Lecturer with a passion for myth and story. Alongside her teaching and counselling work, she delivers workshops on the psychological impact of fairy tales, exploring their symbolism and relevance through a narrative and Jungian lens.

Lisa works with individuals seeking meaningful change and increased levels of thriving in her private practice based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Outside of work, she is often found with her head in a book or lost on a hiking track somewhere on the outskirts of Melbourne. You can follow her on Instagram at @the_story_psych

Maria Yebra (she/her) is the general manager of Laneway
Learning, a serial crafter and a lifelong learner. She enjoys creating experiences and events to grow and flourish personally and as a cohesive community.

She loves to teach and learn new creative practices as well as tending to her 300 plants, 3 cats and 4 chickens. You can follow her on Instagram at @malayebra.

Bookings

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This series is supported by a Connected Neighbourhoods grant via City of Melbourne.

Thank you!

Photo Credits: SnowWhite photo by Lida R on Unsplash, Queens and Kings photos by mahdi chaghari from Pexels, Cinderella photo by LisaChe on Pixabay.