Tracing Rituals in Collage

A creative exploration of how daily rituals help us reconnect to ourselves and inspire collective well-being through the art of collage.

In today’s fast-paced, overstimulated world, small daily rituals have become essential anchors for mental health, creativity, and identity. As a collage artist, I first turned to collage during COVID times — a period when working with my hands helped me reconnect with myself.

Recently, I began noticing how simple rituals brought me calmness, and a deeper connection to who I am. Inspired by this, I started Tracing Rituals in Collage, a project where participants were invited to create and notice a personal ritual or small habit and nurture it over a month.

Throughout the journey, I shared my own rituals and reflections on Instagram to inspire a wider community. At the end of April, we gathered for a collage workshop, where participants visually expressed the rituals that grounded them.

Afterwards, I asked reflective questions to deepen their experience. Their collages and insights now serve as personal reminders of well-being and contribute to a collective transformation — showing how individual rituals, when shared and nurtured together, create waves of inspiration and connection across communities!

Questions for Participants:

1. What daily ritual or habit did you explore?

2. How did practicing it impact you?

3. How did you express it in your collage?

4. What inspired you most about the workshop experience?

Candelaria

25, Chile

I focused on three rituals. First, exercising. After moving to Berlin, I had stopped, even though I’ve always loved sports. It brought back energy, focus, and a sense of purpose. Secondly, making my bed every morning. It became a small but powerful ritual that brings peace and structure. Lastly, writing again. It clears my thoughts, helps me find direction, and reconnects me to myself. Starting these rituals shifted everything. They gave me back clarity, discipline, and happiness during a confusing time.

My collage reflects this feeling of “rising.” I used white for rebirth, a winged figure surrounded by sun rays, sparkles, music notes (I do everything with to music), and a book page — representing the writing ritual that helped me most.

The workshop made the journey even more special, connecting creation with personal transformation.

Mariia

27, Russia

Lately I’ve been feeling out of touch with myself, grieving a lot, and being apathetic towards life. I realised I needed to bring joy back by listening to my needs and honouring them. That’s when Amanda invited me to the workshop. I took it as an opportunity to create a ritual that would help me be more conscious of what’s happening inside me.

I started journalling in the mornings. Later, I narrowed it to setting a one-word intention, like in yoga classes. While practicing the ritual, I felt more awake, present, and compassionate toward myself each day.

I chose a central female figure immersed in her inner world, surrounded by nature, books, crafts, and quotes — things I turn to when I need to restore.

I loved the space that allowed me to enter a flow state while creating, and the sense of community and trust.

Marcos

26, Argentina

I chose to explore my time disconnecting from content and social media. I’m usually caught up consuming information or talking to others, leaving no time for myself. I decided that once a day or every second day, I would not listen to music, podcasts, or call anyone while walking. Instead, I would talk to myself, express feelings, and make plans.

I felt more connected to my thoughts, honest with myself, and calmer overall. It gave me breathing space during overwhelming days. I also noticed my nightstand ritual: placing a glass of water before sleeping, making me feel safe.

My collage shows the isolation caused by mindless input — a girl wearing human-shaped headphones, disconnected from reality. There’s also a woman holding a glass of water, a small reference to my nightstand ritual.

The most enjoyable part was the atmosphere Amanda created — feeling comfortable, seen, and respected, like being at home.

Rali

27, Bulgaria

The ritual I chose started when I realised I was stressed and struggling to sleep. I began going for walks during my lunch break and reading a book under the sunlight. It gave me peaceful moments where nothing else seemed to matter, letting me reconnect with myself and enjoy life again.

This ritual made me feel calmer, lighter, and more curious about what life has to offer. It gave me a powerful sense of peace and belonging.

For my collage, I used the colours I see during my walks: greens and sunlight. A child playing in water represents the childlike, free mindset these walks awaken in me.

I loved the safe environment Amanda created, where I could be vulnerable, creative, and inspired by others’ stories.

Sofía

26, Argentina

Amanda’s project was the opportunity to reflect on the rituals I already have: smoking before sleeping as a “day-closing” ritual, brushing my hair in bed slowly, like meditating.

The ritual I chose was the one I share with Consuelo, a life’s sister to me. We do video calls that aren’t “just” calls — they are meetings. Her Argentinian morning and my German noon became our “get updated-distance morning mate” ritual. It’s now conscious, not casual.

This makes me feel closer to home, giving me a feeling of safety and familiarity. Reflecting on rituals made me realise how essential they are to emotional well-being. I also realised that, to let go of bad habits, we need better alternatives.

For my collage, I chose earthy colours and a beige paper background, symbolising our journaling bond, and yerba to represent our mate ritual.

Listening to everyone’s stories during the workshop was what touched me the most.

Vladi

28, Bulgaria

While reflecting on the rituals I might have, I came up with a new one: creating space for a little dancy dance, a moment to shake off daily stress. To make it part of my routine, I connected it to a physical space — every time I enter a bathroom, it becomes a liminal space where I can rest and distract myself for a minute.

Taking these small moments brought mindfulness and positive thinking into my day. It made me feel lighter, more grounded, and better able to pause amid the busyness.

I created a 3D collage with a cut-out door, symbolising the border between the outside world and my relaxing space. When open, symbols of media and anxiety jump in; when closed, it’s simply me dancing with headphones.

I got inspired by the co-creation during the cosy workshop space, especially when feeling lost among the cutouts and decisions. I will definitely try to keep this ritual in mind, finding calmness whenever I need it.