Ayaana Circle

Ayaana Circle is inspired by the role of ‘Ayaana’ in Oromo cultural customs. The Ayaana is a spiritual being that is the timekeeper of cosmic and temporal space, the guide, the healer. Through this holistic framework, the Ayaana integrates all elements of human activities through a system that reflects the Oromo people’s connection to the earth and cosmos. Ayaana Circle aims to bring together young Oromo women to reflect on our wellbeing through a cultural lens.

What is art therapy?

You don’t have to be creative or artistic to do art therapy. In fact, art therapy works much better when you are not concerned about what your work looks like in the end. Much of expressive art therapies are focused on how we feel during the art making, and not the art itself. This is the process that helps us investigate what is there for us emotionally, in moments of pause, reflection and expression.

We will write, make, create and build using fabric, ribbons, polymer clay, markers, branches, leaves, and any found objects or materials you want to bring along that feels signifigant to what you create.

What to expect?

A small group of us will meet few hours and do some guided art therapy activities based on the principles of connection, nature and time, that are all present within our own culture. We will work with creativity and reflection and find that little bit of Ayaana in all of us as a practice of wellbeing.

Sessions are irregular and are released on instagram @ayshapaints