visual representation of grief

Art Therapy Grief Activities for Healing

Grieving the loss of a loved one can be an incredibly challenging and complex experience. It can be difficult to find the right outlet for emotions and to navigate the healing process. This is where art therapy grief activities can play a powerful role.

Art therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to express their emotions, process their grief, and find healing. Through various art mediums such as painting, drawing, or sculpting, individuals can externalize their internal emotions and explore their feelings in a tangible and creative way.

Art therapy grief activities can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their emotions, connect with their memories, and find solace in their grief journey. Whether it’s creating a visual representation of their loved one or using art as a form of release, art therapy can provide a transformative and cathartic experience for those navigating the complexities of grief.

Understanding Grief and Loss

Losing someone or something we care about deeply can be incredibly painful and overwhelming. Grief is a natural response to loss, and it can manifest in various ways. To help individuals cope with their grief, art therapy offers a creative and therapeutic outlet. Here, we’ll explore the process of grief and how art therapy can support individuals in their healing journey.

Grief is a complex and personal experience. It can be triggered by the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a significant life change, or even the loss of a cherished dream. Emotions such as sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion are commonly associated with grief. Everyone grieves in their own way, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.

Art therapy provides a safe space for individuals to express and process their emotions. Through various art activities, individuals can externalize their feelings and gain a better understanding of their grief. This form of therapy allows individuals to tap into their creativity and use art as a means of communication when words may fall short.

Some of the activities used in art therapy for grief include:

• Collage-making: Creating collages with images and words that represent their emotions or memories.
• Painting and drawing: Utilizing colors and lines to express their feelings and create visual representations of their grief.
• Journaling: Writing down their thoughts, emotions, and memories related to their loss.
• Clay modeling: Shaping and molding clay to represent their grief or create symbols of remembrance.

Art therapy can help individuals process their grief, provide a sense of control, and promote self-reflection. It offers a non-verbal way to explore and communicate emotions, promoting healing and resilience.

In summary, grief is a deeply personal experience, and art therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals navigating through it. By engaging in creative activities, individuals can express, explore, and understand their grief in a supportive and therapeutic environment. Art therapy provides a unique avenue for healing, offering solace, reflection, and growth.

The Role of Art Therapy in Grief

Art therapy plays a significant role in supporting individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Through creative expression and exploration, art therapy provides a safe and therapeutic outlet for processing emotions, facilitating healing, and promoting personal growth. Here are some key aspects highlighting the role of art therapy in grief:

• Emotional release:  Art therapy allows individuals to express and release complex emotions that may be difficult to put into words. The act of creating art can offer a non-verbal means of communication, enabling individuals to externalize their grief and gain a sense of relief.
• Self-expression:  Grief can be a deeply personal experience, and art therapy provides a platform for self-expression. By engaging in artistic activities such as painting, drawing, or sculpting, individuals can visually communicate their thoughts, feelings, and memories related to the loss.
• Symbolic representation:  Art therapy allows individuals to use symbols and metaphors to represent their experiences and emotions. Symbolic representation can help individuals gain insight into their grief journey, identify patterns, and explore the meaning behind their loss.
• Cathartic process:  Engaging in art-making can be a cathartic process, offering a release of pent-up emotions and a sense of catharsis. The act of creating art can provide a healthy outlet for grief-related frustrations, anger, and sadness.
• Promoting self-awareness:  Art therapy encourages individuals to reflect on their artwork, facilitating self-awareness and insight into their grief process. Through the exploration of colors, shapes, and images, individuals can better understand their emotions and gain a deeper connection with their own experiences.
• Building resilience:  Art therapy fosters resilience by promoting adaptive coping strategies and developing new ways of processing grief. Through art-making, individuals can develop a sense of empowerment, resilience, and personal growth as they navigate their grief journey.

Art therapy provides a unique and valuable approach to support individuals experiencing grief. By integrating creativity, self-expression, and reflection, art therapy can help individuals find solace, meaning, and healing amidst their grief.

Exploring Art Therapy Techniques

Art therapy is a powerful tool that can help individuals navigate through the complex emotions associated with grief. By engaging in creative activities, people can express and process their feelings in a non-verbal and holistic way. Here are some art therapy techniques that can be beneficial for individuals experiencing grief:

• Collage Making:  Creating collages can be a cathartic way to explore emotions and memories. By cutting and arranging images, individuals can visually represent their feelings and experiences. It allows them to express themselves without relying on words, providing a sense of release and relief.
• Painting and Drawing:  Painting and drawing can provide a sense of control and release for those grieving. Using colors, lines, and shapes, individuals can communicate their emotions and create a visual representation of their inner world. It allows for self-reflection and introspection while offering a creative outlet for expression.
• Sculpture and Clay Work:  Working with clay and sculpting materials can be especially therapeutic for grief processing. The tactile nature of these mediums allows individuals to physically shape and mold their emotions. It can also be a metaphorical representation of the transformation and healing process.
• Journaling and Writing:  Although not strictly visual, writing can be a powerful art therapy technique for exploring grief. Through journaling, individuals can freely express their thoughts, memories, and emotions. Writing can provide a sense of clarity, insight, and self-discovery.

Incorporating art therapy techniques into grief activities can offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals to process their emotions. It allows for a non-judgmental exploration of their grief journey and provides a means of expression beyond traditional verbal communication.

Remember, everyone’s experience with grief is unique, and art therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s essential to adapt these techniques to suit an individual’s preferences and needs. Art therapy, when combined with professional guidance and support, can be a valuable tool in the healing process.

Using Art to Express Emotions

Art therapy can be a powerful tool for expressing and processing emotions, particularly in the context of grief. When words fail us or feel inadequate, art can provide a safe and creative outlet for exploring and communicating our innermost feelings.

Here are a few ways in which art can help individuals express their emotions during the grieving process:

• Non-Verbal Expression : Art allows us to bypass the limitations of language and tap into the non-verbal realm of emotions. Through colors, shapes, lines, and textures, we can express the depth and complexity of our feelings that go beyond words. This form of expression can be particularly helpful for those who struggle to put their emotions into verbal form or find it difficult to articulate their grief.
• Symbolic Representation : Art offers a symbolic language that can help us represent our emotions in tangible and visual form. It allows us to create visual metaphors and symbols that reflect our inner experiences. By externalizing our emotions through art, we gain a new perspective and create distance, making it easier to process and make sense of our grief.
• Catharsis and Release : Engaging in art-making can provide a cathartic experience, allowing us to release pent-up emotions. Through the act of creating, we can channel our grief into the art materials, providing a sense of relief and emotional release. The physicality of art-making, such as painting or sculpting, can also serve as a grounding practice, helping us connect with our bodies and the present moment.
• Creative Exploration : Art therapy offers a space for creative exploration and experimentation. It encourages individuals to explore different art materials, techniques, and styles, allowing them to find a means of expression that resonates with their unique experiences. This process of exploration can lead to new insights, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of one’s grief journey.

In conclusion, art therapy provides a valuable avenue for individuals to express their emotions during the grieving process. Through non-verbal expression, symbolic representation, catharsis, and creative exploration, art can facilitate the healing and transformation of grief.

By engaging in art therapy activities, individuals can find solace, meaning, and a sense of empowerment as they navigate the complex emotions that come with loss.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

When engaging in art therapy grief activities, it is crucial to create a safe and supportive environment for participants.

This allows individuals to express their emotions freely and facilitates the healing process. Here are a few key elements to consider when establishing such an environment:

• Privacy and Confidentiality : Ensure that the therapy space provides a sense of privacy and confidentiality. This will enable participants to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or exposure.
• Establishing Trust : Building trust between the therapist and the participants is essential. Encourage open communication and active listening to create a safe space where individuals feel heard and understood. Trust allows for deeper exploration of emotions and promotes healing.
• Non-judgmental Atmosphere : Create an atmosphere free from judgment and criticism. Encourage participants to embrace their creativity without worrying about the quality of their artwork. Emphasize that the focus is on the process rather than the end result.
• Emotional Safety : Art therapy can bring forth intense emotions. Ensure that participants feel emotionally safe by acknowledging and validating their feelings. Provide a supportive environment where individuals can express themselves without feeling overwhelmed or judged.
• Empathy and Compassion : Cultivate an atmosphere of empathy and compassion. Acknowledge the grief and pain that individuals may be experiencing and demonstrate understanding. This helps participants feel supported and encourages them to explore their emotions more deeply.

Creating a safe and supportive environment is crucial for effective art therapy grief activities. By prioritizing privacy, trust, non-judgment, emotional safety, and empathy, participants can freely express their emotions and begin the healing process.

Collaborating with Qualified Art Therapists

When it comes to art therapy for grief, it’s essential to collaborate with qualified art therapists who have the knowledge and expertise to guide individuals through the healing process.

These professionals understand the importance of using artistic expression as a means of exploration, reflection, and emotional release.

Here’s why collaborating with qualified art therapists is crucial:

• Expertise and Training:  Art therapists undergo extensive training to understand the principles of art therapy and how to apply them effectively. They are equipped with knowledge about various art materials, techniques, and interventions suitable for different individuals and situations. Their expertise ensures that clients receive the most appropriate support for their unique needs.
• Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment:  Art therapists create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can freely express their emotions without judgment. Through the use of art materials, they provide a non-verbal outlet for grief, allowing clients to explore their feelings in a comfortable setting. This therapeutic space encourages self-reflection and healing.
• Tailored Approaches:  Each person grieves differently, and art therapists understand this. They tailor their approaches to meet the specific needs of each individual. Whether it’s through painting, drawing, sculpting, or other artistic methods, art therapists help clients find meaningful ways to express their grief and process their emotions.
• Insightful Interpretation:  Art therapists are skilled at interpreting the visual language of art. They can help clients gain insight into their emotions and experiences through analyzing their artwork. By guiding discussions and reflections on the artistic process, art therapists facilitate deeper understanding and growth.
• Integration of Therapy Techniques:  Art therapy is often combined with other therapeutic modalities, such as talk therapy or mindfulness techniques, to provide a comprehensive approach to healing. Collaborating with qualified art therapists allows for the integration of these techniques, maximizing the benefits of the therapy.

Collaborating with qualified art therapists is essential for effective and meaningful art therapy for grief. These professionals bring their expertise, create a safe environment, tailor their approaches, provide insightful interpretation, and integrate various therapeutic techniques to support individuals on their healing journey.

Bringing Closure and Healing through Art Therapy

Art therapy can be a powerful tool in the process of healing and finding closure after experiencing grief. Through various artistic activities, individuals are able to express their emotions, explore their thoughts, and ultimately find solace in the creative process. Here are a few ways in which art therapy can help bring closure and healing:

• Emotional expression:  Art provides a unique outlet for individuals to express their emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. By engaging in art therapy, individuals can explore and process their feelings of grief, sadness, anger, or confusion in a safe and non-judgmental space.
• Self-reflection:  Creating art allows individuals to reflect on their experiences and gain insight into their own emotions and thoughts. Through the art-making process, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their grief journey and find meaning in their loss.
• Symbolic representation:  Art therapy allows individuals to symbolically represent their experiences and emotions through colors, shapes, and images. These symbols can serve as a visual language that helps individuals externalize and communicate their inner world.
• Catharsis:  Engaging in art-making activities can provide a cathartic release for individuals experiencing grief. The act of creating art can help individuals release pent-up emotions and provide a sense of relief and release.
• Transformation:  Art therapy has the potential to facilitate transformation and growth. Through the creative process, individuals can transform their pain into something beautiful and meaningful. This transformation can bring a sense of closure and healing as individuals find new ways to honor their loved ones and move forward in their grief journey.

Incorporating art therapy into grief activities can be a valuable addition to traditional forms of therapy. It offers a creative and holistic approach to healing, addressing the emotional, cognitive, and spiritual aspects of grief.

By providing a means of expression, self-reflection, and transformation, art therapy can help individuals navigate their grief journey and find a sense of closure and healing.

Note : The effectiveness of art therapy in grief activities may vary from person to person. It is important to consult a qualified art therapist or mental health professional for personalized guidance and support.

Art therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals who are grieving. Through creative activities, it provides a safe space for expression and processing of emotions. In this article, we explored various art therapy grief activities that can aid in the healing process.

Here are some key takeaways from our discussion:

• Art therapy offers a non-verbal outlet for emotions, allowing individuals to express and explore their grief in a unique way.
• Engaging in art-making can foster a sense of control and empowerment, helping individuals navigate through the complexities of grief.
• Creating art can provide a sense of catharsis, allowing pent-up emotions to be released and providing a form of relief.
• Art therapy activities such as journaling, drawing, painting, and collage-making can facilitate self-reflection and promote emotional healing.
• The use of symbols, metaphors, and imagery in art therapy can help individuals communicate and make sense of their grief experiences.

While art therapy cannot magically erase grief, it can serve as a valuable complement to other forms of therapy and support. It is important to remember that each person’s grief journey is unique, and what works for one individual may not work for another.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, consider exploring art therapy as a means of self-expression and healing. Consult a qualified art therapist who can guide you through the process and provide the necessary support.

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How to Use Art to Help You Cope with Grief

When you’ve had a significant loss, grieving can be overwhelming. Sometimes expressing your pain may help, and art can be one way to do that.

Grief is a personal experience that’s often unique and intimate. What brings comfort to you in a time of grieving may differ from what helps someone else. Creating or connecting with art can be a healing experience for some people.

Depending on your coping skills and circumstances, you may need more or less support to process your loss . You might find relief in creating art on your own, or you might consider working with a therapist who specializes in art therapy.

You could also consider connecting with other people’s art if that brings you comfort or relief. For example, you could listen to classical music or go to a concert, visit a museum, or ask a professional artist to do a painting of a loved one who has died.

How to use art to cope with grief

If you’d like to explore art as a therapeutic tool to cope with grief, you may consider doing something that you’ve enjoyed in the past first. For example, if you find that music soothes you, you could try dancing or singing for emotional release.

Although these artistic activities may provide some relief, they aren’t a substitute for professional support. If you’re having a difficult time and feel grief is impacting one or more aspects of your life, consider reaching out for help .

In general, these creative activities may help you cope with some aspects of bereavement:

Visual arts

Creating something visual can serve as a cathartic method of expression or work as a tribute or memorial to your loved one.

If you’re up for it, you could do both — something that allows you to express freely, like a stain or finger painting on a canvas, and also something that you’ll keep as a tribute, like a quilt.

Here are some ideas to consider:

• putting together a photo collage or scrapbook with your favorite photos of your loved one
• creating a wall of memories with framed photos of your favorite moments
• painting on a blank canvas, sheet, or wall
• improvising intuitive art using brushes, crayons, or paint and just moving freely through a canvas or paper
• creating or coloring mandalas from a book or printout
• decorating a meaningful object
• creating the art and getting a tattoo of it
• carving and decorating a wooden box to keep meaningful souvenirs close to you
• creating a memorial garden with colorful planters, wind spinners, and personalized stones or objects
• making a quilt out of your loved one’s clothing

Music and dance

Music can be both a way to express yourself and a way to connect to your departed loved one.

Consider these ideas:

• creating a recording or video playlist with your loved one’s favorite tunes
• dancing to the beat of the songs you once shared and connecting to those memories
• playing upbeat music that allows you to freestyle dance
• writing a song in your loved one’s honor
• creating a video with images of your loved one and a meaningful song in the background
• listening to relaxing music

Writing can help you cope with grieving emotions in different ways. You can pour unfiltered thoughts and emotions into the paper for a releasing effect, or you can pay homage to your loved one by writing about their life, stories, or favorite quotes.

Here are some ideas you may want to try:

• writing about how you feel, without worrying about grammar or spelling
• recording your favorite memories with your loved one
• writing a letter to your loved one
• writing your loved one’s memoirs
• using journal prompts to process how you feel or what you think

How art helps with grief

Although studies about grief art are relatively scarce, literature from 2020 indicates that art therapy may be especially effective for bereaved children who’ve experienced a traumatic loss .

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that incorporates creative activities, such as painting, dancing, or clay molding, as a means for a person to express freely.

A 2018 systematic review of 27 studies on art therapy and grieving found that the therapeutic use of visual art creation helped adult participants develop coping skills to manage their grief. For example, it helped some people make sense of the loss and find ways to preserve their loved one’s legacy.

Visual arts included the creation of:

• photo collages
• photo essays

When it came to relieving the pain of the loss, researchers didn’t find any significant benefits from visual art creation. However, they did find that a great percentage of study participants reported an improvement in their sense of well-being.

Art therapy has also been found effective for the management of anxiety , a symptom that may sometimes accompany grief .

In general, creative interventions have been found helpful for traumatic grieving, according to 2010 research , particularly for children and adolescents. These include writing, storytelling, drawing, commemorating, and ritualizing.

Creating art on your own

Even without a therapist, creating art may be a healing experience when you’re grieving.

For one, artistic expression can be a mindful activity , where you focus your attention on the creative process. Research from 2016 indicates that mindfulness helps regulate emotions, which could help you manage sadness or anger when grieving , for example.

Writing about your loss and your feelings may also help you cope with intrusive thoughts, negative emotions, and emotional overwhelm, as research from 2010 , 2012 , 2019 , 2021 , and 2022 indicates. In fact, journaling has repeatedly been linked to emotional release and processing.

Musical creativity, particularly co-creative songwriting, may also serve as a support tool for younger adults who are grieving, research from 2022 suggests.

Memorial tattoos may also help you process your emotions, serve as a visual representation of your loved one, and integrate your loss into your life and identity.

Let’s recap

Art creation and art therapy may be therapeutic tools for some people who are grieving.

Grief art can be about freestyling or it could also be a guided activity with an art therapist. Art therapy is a psychotherapy approach that uses art as the main tool to communicate how you feel.

If you’re having a difficult time or feel you’ve been grieving for a long time , consider reaching out to a mental health professional for ongoing support.

Last medically reviewed on June 6, 2022

14 sources collapsed

• About art therapy. (n.d.). https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/
• Cheatley L, et al. (2022). Musical creativity support tools for bereavement support. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14626268.2022.2034648
• Davidson D. (2017). Art embodied: Tattoos as memorials. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a407516914e6b07a30bcdf6/t/5c86a10d652dea9dcd50028b/1552326929162/Art+embodied+tattoos+as+memorials.pdf
• Doll A, et al. (2016). Mindful attention to breath regulates emotions via increased amygdala–prefrontal cortex connectivity. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053811916002469
• Dye M. (2018). Evaluating the benefits of art therapy interventions with grieving children. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1132&context=edspec201019
• Edgar-Bailey M. (2010). Resolving child and adolescent traumatic grief: Creative techniques and interventions. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15401383.2010.485090
• Harris J. (2021). The literature of loss: Elegy writing as a therapeutic strategy for coping with grief. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03069885.2021.1983771
• Jacobson B. (2016). Art therapy: Loss, grief, & transformation. https://www.vaarttherapy.org/post/2016/04/12/art-therapy-loss-grief-transformation
• Kalantari M, et al. (2012). Efficacy of writing for recovery on traumatic grief symptoms of Afghani refugee bereaved adolescents: A randomized control trial. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2190/OM.65.2.d
• Larsen LH. (2022). Letter writing as a clinical tool in grief psychotherapy. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00302228211070155
• Loumeau-May LV. (2020). Art therapy with traumatically bereaved youth. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-76802-008
• Range LM, et al. (2010). Does writing about the bereavement lessen grief following sudden, unintentional death? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/074811800200603
• Rubin M, et al. (2019). Emotional reactivity to grief-related expressive writing. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07481187.2019.1595219
• Weiskittle RE, et al. (2018). The therapeutic effectiveness of using visual art modalities with the bereaved: A systematic review.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5798551/

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Art Therapy for Grief: Healing through Creative Expression

Grief is a natural and overwhelming emotion many experience after losing a loved one. It can be challenging to navigate and process this intense feeling, which can lead to a sense of isolation and helplessness. One approach that has been gaining recognition for its healing effects on grief is art therapy. This form of therapy offers a unique way to express, understand, and cope with the pain of loss through various creative mediums.

Art therapy for grief is grounded in the belief that the creative process can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional expression, and healing. By providing individuals with a safe and non-judgmental space to express their feelings, art therapy encourages the exploration of emotions that may be too difficult to put into words. Different art techniques can be employed, like painting, drawing, collages, sculpture, and more, allowing the grieving person to find the most comfortable and suitable way of addressing their grief productively.

Key Takeaways

• Art therapy provides an alternative way to process and cope with grief through creative expression.
• Diverse art techniques allow individuals to explore their emotions and find the most effective way to address their grief.
• Incorporating art therapy into daily life can promote healing and offer support during various stages of the grieving process.

Understanding Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s a complex mixture of emotions, such as sadness, pain, fear, anger, and relief. When you’re grieving, it can feel like an emotional rollercoaster with ups and downs.

Grief can be triggered by various types of loss, such as the death of a loved one, a breakup, job loss, or any significant life change. The intensity and duration of your grief may vary depending on the nature of the loss, your relationship with the deceased or what you’ve lost, and your personality and coping skills.

Everyone’s grieving process is unique. But there are some common grief responses you might experience, such as:

• Shock and disbelief, where you may have trouble accepting the loss
• Intense sadness or despair as you begin to feel the weight of your loss
• Anger and frustration, which can be directed at yourself, others, or the situation that led to the loss
• Fear and anxiety, as you face an uncertain future without the person or thing you’ve lost

Grief therapy can help you process your emotions and learn coping strategies for your loss. It’s essential to allow yourself time to grieve and seek support from friends, family, or a professional therapist .

When grief becomes overwhelming or long-lasting, it could be a sign of complicated grief. Complicated grief is a more intense, prolonged form of mourning that may require specialized intervention.

In summary, grief is a profoundly personal journey encompassing many emotions. While working through the pain and adjusting to your loss is essential, remember that healing takes time. Remember that using coping mechanisms such as art therapy may help you process your grief healthily, offering a creative outlet for expression and emotional release.

Concept of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a powerful healing tool that allows you to express your emotions and cope with grief through the creative process. By engaging in various forms of visual arts, you’ll find a safe and meaningful way to convey feelings that might be difficult to communicate verbally.

Art therapy’s core lies in using the imagination to transform emotional pain into tangible creations. You’ll find that as you express your grief through art, memories, and emotions become more accessible to bear, and stress begins to lift. It’s an opportunity to embark on a mission of self-discovery and growth, even in the face of loss.

Connect one-on-one with a Psychiatrist

Various techniques are employed in art therapy, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography. Each of these methods offers a unique way of tapping into your emotions and finding relief through the language of art. You’ll see that working with different modes of expression will allow you to explore new perspectives and avenues for healing.

The power of art therapy comes not only from the creative process itself but also from the metaphors infused within your art. This therapeutic approach is rooted in psychology, bridging the gap between conscious and subconscious minds. Through your creations, you’ll uncover subconscious thoughts and feelings, ultimately providing deeper insight into your experience of grief.

Art therapy can be practiced individually or in a group setting, guided by licensed therapists who specialize in expressive art therapy. These professionals deeply understand the connection between healing, emotions, and art creation. They’ll guide and support you, helping you navigate your grief journey using various art therapy techniques.

Remember, art therapy is an inclusive and accessible form of mental health care, suitable for all ages and skill levels. You don’t need any previous artistic experience to benefit from it. The primary goal is to offer an outlet for emotional expression, not to create masterpieces.

By incorporating art therapy into your grief management strategies, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of this creative, transformative tool and find solace during challenging times.

Role of Therapists in Art Therapy

Art therapy is a powerful tool to help grieving individuals because it allows them to express their emotions in a way that words often cannot. In this section, we’ll discuss the role of therapists in art therapy sessions and how they can help you navigate the complexities of your grief.

Therapists, specifically art therapists, play a critical role in the success of art therapy sessions . They possess specialized training in counseling and art, enabling them to facilitate sessions that effectively address your emotional and mental health needs. Art therapists are skilled at using the creative process to help you explore painful emotions and find the strength to cope with your loss.

During an art therapy session, the therapist takes on several important responsibilities. They use their grief counseling and psychotherapy knowledge to create a safe and supportive environment for you. This might include guiding you through activities like painting, drawing, or sculpture, which can help you express your grief non-threateningly. While talk therapy may not always resonate with everyone, art therapy allows you to communicate your feelings without articulating them.

In addition to providing guidance and support in your creative expressions, art therapists help you make connections between your art and your emotions. They may ask questions or engage in conversations about your artwork, encouraging you to explore and reflect on your feelings. This process can help you build a trusting relationship with your therapist, essential for effective grief counseling.

You might find your artwork sometimes leads to intense emotions or memories. An art therapist draws on their background in counseling to help you cope during these moments, offering strategies and insights that can help you navigate your grief. As a professional in their field, they have experience working with bereaved clients and understand the challenges of coping with a significant loss.

To summarize, art therapists in grief counseling are specially trained professionals who combine their expertise in art and psychotherapy to help you process your loss through creative expression. They offer a compassionate and non-judgmental environment in which you can effectively express your emotions as you navigate the complexities of your grief journey.

Different Art Techniques for Grief Therapy

Art therapy can be a powerful tool in processing grief and finding healing . This section will explore various art techniques to help you cope with your loss and express your emotions creatively and cathartically.

Painting Techniques

Whether you use a loaded brush or a simple palette, painting can express your emotions without words. Experiment with colors, textures, and strokes to depict your feelings. Painting can provide a meditative experience as you work through your grief. Through this process, you may find peace and a sense of accomplishment.

Key Takeaway : Painting allows you to channel your emotions through colors and textures, providing a therapeutic outlet for your grief.

Writing Techniques

Writing as an art form can be quite healing when dealing with loss. Journaling, poetry, or writing letters to your loved one can provide comfort and solace during difficult times. The written word offers a space to process emotions, reflect on memories, and find clarity in your feelings.

Key Takeaway : The process of writing can help you explore and express your emotions during your grieving journey.

Photography Techniques

Photography can capture memories and cathartically pause time. Creating photo collages or exploring new angles and lighting can help you revisit cherished moments while developing a new perspective on your grief. Harnessing this art form as a tool for healing can foster personal growth and acceptance.

Key Takeaway : Photography can help you celebrate memories and find a new appreciation for life’s fleeting moments.

Sculpture Techniques

Sculpture and pottery allow you to mold and shape your feelings into tangible forms physically. This tactile experience can be therapeutic, allowing you to channel your emotions into your artwork. As you create, allow yourself to explore the material interaction in-depth and see where it leads.

Key Takeaway : The hands-on nature of sculpture and pottery offers a unique therapeutic approach to expressing and processing grief.

Other Art Forms

There are many other expressive art modalities to consider, such as drawing, tattoo art, quilting, and creating mandalas. Experimenting with different art forms allows you to explore your emotions and ultimately helps you find the most valuable method for your healing process.

Key Takeaway : Keep an open mind and try different art forms to find the most meaningful and healing method for you.

Collages and Scrapbooks

Collages and scrapbooks can help you organize and preserve memories while forming a visual representation of your journey. This creative outlet allows you to narrate your story, combining elements of your past and present and exploring the significance of your loss.

Key Takeaway : Collages and scrapbooking can help preserve memories and creatively organize your thoughts and emotions visually.

Role of Music and Dance

Music and dance therapy can provide an emotional release while connecting you to the rhythm and flow of life. Creating or listening to songs, dancing, and participating in group performances can help you channel your emotions energetically and find healing through movement.

Key Takeaway : Music and dance offer a dynamic and lively outlet for processing grief and rediscovering joy.

Video and Digital Art

Video and digital art can help you share your stories, experiences, and emotions through motion and technology. Experimenting with this medium allows you to express your grief in new and innovative ways and can help you engage with others in your healing journey .

Key Takeaway : Embrace the digital age and explore the expressive potential of video and digital art as a channel for your grief.

Benefits of Art Therapy for Grief

Engaging in art therapy during grief can offer numerous benefits to help you heal and navigate the complex emotions accompanying loss.

• Healing and processing: Art therapy allows you to express your feelings through creative activities, fostering a safe space for exploration and understanding. As you immerse yourself in the creative process, you give your mind a break from the mental stress of grieving and allow it to process the pain in a new, nurturing way.
• Stress reduction and emotional release: Creating art can be a healthy outlet to relieve stress and let go of bottled-up emotions. As you delve into your art, you might feel lighter and more capable of handling your grief.
• Building coping skills: Art therapy can help you develop valuable coping skills as you navigate the grieving process. By exploring various artistic mediums, you’ll uncover new ways to express and process your emotions, ultimately strengthening your resilience and adaptability.

Here’s a brief list of some creative activities you can try:

• Painting or drawing
• Sculpture or pottery
• Writing or journaling
• Photography or scrapbooking
• Mindfulness and acceptance: Practicing mindfulness through art therapy helps bring your focus to the present moment. By concentrating on the act of creation, you can develop a greater sense of acceptance and awareness of your emotions, allowing you to process your grief with greater clarity and understanding.
• Finding solace and comfort: Engaging in creative activities can provide a sense of solace during difficult times. You may find comfort in your artistic expression, discovering a haven where you can freely explore your emotions.
• Boosting well-being: Art therapy benefits your emotional health and contributes to your overall well-being. Creative outlets can help improve self-esteem, increase self-awareness, and foster personal growth.

Remember that there is no right or wrong way to engage in art therapy; it’s about finding the creative activity that resonates with you and allows you to express your grief in a healing and supportive way.

Art Therapy for Different Age Groups

Art therapy can be a helpful tool in processing grief for different age groups. It allows individuals to engage in the creative process, providing a means for emotional release, self-expression, and understanding of personal experiences. This section will explore how art therapy benefits children and adults.

Art Therapy for Children

Children, especially those still developing their language skills, can struggle to express their emotions. Art therapy provides a nonverbal and engaging approach to helping children process grief. Some effective art therapy techniques for children may include:

• Drawing or painting: Encourages children to express their feelings visually and makes sharing easier.
• Sculpture or pottery: Hands-on activities like molding clay or making small sculptures give children a tangible outlet to work through grief.
• Collages or mixed media: This method can help children combine various materials to uniquely represent their emotions.

Children learn to cope with their emotions and work through their grief by participating in the creative process. They also develop a greater understanding of their own experiences and feelings.

Art Therapy for Adults

Art therapy can also be an effective way to help adults process their grief. While adults may have better-developed language skills, many still struggle to discuss their emotions or experiences. For adults, some practical art therapy techniques might include:

• Journaling or writing : Writing can help adults process their emotions through words, adding coherency and clarity to their experiences.
• Photography or scrapbooking : Capturing moments and memories through photographs can offer a deeper understanding and connection to one’s grief journey.
• Integrating art therapy into counseling : Professionals can use creative activities alongside traditional therapy techniques to provide additional emotional support.

The creative process in art therapy allows adults to explore and process their emotions in a safe, non-judgmental, and healing environment. This can lead to a better understanding of their grief, personal growth, and a smoother path toward healing.

Remember, art therapy for grief can have different approaches and benefits for children and adults. Experiment with various techniques to see which methods are most helpful for your unique needs and experience.

Art Therapy in Various Stages of Grief

When you face a significant loss, grief may evoke overwhelming emotions. Art therapy offers a creative and expressive way to navigate these emotions, helping you cope with various stages of grief. In this section, we’ll discuss how art therapy can help you during different stages of grief, such as pain, anger, confusion, and acceptance.

Dealing with Pain and Loss

In the initial stages of grief, you may experience pain and sadness as you face the reality of your loss. Art therapy can help bring your emotions to the surface through painting, drawing, or sculpting. By expressing your emotions through art, you can release some of the pain that you may not be able to articulate with words, facilitating the healing process.

Expressing Anger

Anger is a natural emotion that might arise during grief. You may feel like you need an outlet to let it all out. Art allows you to channel that energy through different mediums like painting, drawing, or photographing. These mediums give your anger a space to be without needing an explanation or justification.

Coping with Confusion

Grieving might bring a sense of confusion as you attempt to make sense of your loss. Art therapy allows you to process complex emotions and organize your thoughts via visual means. For example, creating a collage or mixed media piece can bring order to the chaos that grief imposes on your life.

Finding Acceptance

One essential aspect of healing from grief is reaching a level of acceptance. It’s when you begin to see a future without the person you lost and find a way to live with their memory. Art therapy can support this by providing a way to record, celebrate, and remember your loved one, ultimately helping you find peace.

Using art therapy throughout your grieving journey can be a comforting and transformative means of processing your emotions. Remember, each person’s approach to art therapy will be as unique as their grief experience, so don’t be afraid to explore different methods and techniques. Give yourself permission to feel and express through art, taking one step at a time towards healing.

How to Incorporate Art Therapy into Daily Life

Art therapy can be an effective way for you to cope with grief and express your feelings. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate it into your daily life:

1. Start with simple creative activities: If you’re new to art therapy, start with activities that are easy and enjoyable, such as coloring pages, doodling, or working with clay. These exercises can help you begin to explore your thoughts and emotions while staying focused on the present moment.

2. Set aside time for creativity: Treat your art therapy sessions like an essential part of your day – just like you would for exercise or meditation. Schedule a regular time slot for creative activities and try to stick to it.

3. Practice mindfulness during your sessions: While engaging in art therapy, focus on the process rather than the outcome. As you create, pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations – this mindfulness can help you better understand and process your grief.

4. Use art to build a legacy: Creating art can help you honor the memory of your loved ones and preserve their legacy. You could make a memory box, create a photo collage, or paint a picture that represents your memories of them.

5. Get support from others: Join an art therapy group or share your artistic creations with friends or family members. This can help create a sense of connection and community, making your grieving process less isolating.

Remember, art therapy is a personal journey, and you should feel free to explore different creative activities that resonate with you. Try different mediums, materials, and techniques to bring variety to your sessions and motivate yourself.

Role of Art Therapy in Trauma and Significant Losses

Art therapy can play a vital role in helping individuals cope with trauma and significant losses. It offers a safe and creative space for individuals to express their emotions and make sense of their experiences. Whether you’re dealing with traumatic experiences or grieving a significant loss, art therapy can provide a constructive outlet for your emotions.

One of the main benefits of art therapy for trauma is that it allows you to express feelings that may be difficult to verbalize. Expressive art therapy, such as painting, drawing, or sculpting, enables you to tap into your emotions and communicate them creatively. This form of therapy can be particularly beneficial for those who have experienced traumatic events, as it can assist in processing complex emotions and begin the reconstruction of shattered self-belief.

Another important aspect of art therapy is its ability to foster a sense of resilience and personal growth. As you engage in the creative process, you can gain new insights into your emotions and experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of your resilience. You’re taking an essential step towards healing and growth by actively working through your feelings.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember about the role of art therapy in trauma and significant losses:

• Art therapy provides a safe and creative outlet for expressing emotions and coping with trauma.
• Expressive art therapy helps individuals process complex emotions and aids in the reconstruction of self-belief.
• The creative process fosters resilience and personal growth, improving overall healing and well-being.

In conclusion, art therapy can be a powerful tool in dealing with trauma and significant losses. By engaging in expressive art, you provide an outlet for your emotions and work towards healing and personal growth.

Incorporating Art Therapy in Memory of a Loved One

Grieving the loss of a loved one is an immensely personal and challenging experience. Art therapy can offer you a healthy outlet for expressing your emotions and honoring the memories of your loved one. Here are a few ways to incorporate art therapy as a tribute to someone important in your life.

Create a visual journal: Pour your emotions and memories into a visual journal. This can be a mix of drawings, paintings, photographs, and written words. As you work on it, you’ll be reminded of special moments and cherished experiences with your loved one.

Craft a memorial collage: Collect pictures, letters, and other memorabilia related to your loved one and arrange them in a collage. You can include quotes, song lyrics, or poems that remind you of them. This tangible reminder can help you feel connected and preserve your legacy.

Design a memorial tattoo: Memorial tattoos are a beautiful way to keep your loved one close to you. Choose a symbol or image that resonates with their personality, interests, or shared memories. Consult a tattoo artist to ensure your design is meaningful and aesthetically pleasing.

Sculpt a memory: Working with clay or other sculpting materials can be a calming and therapeutic experience. Create a figurine or object representing your loved one, or sculpt a scene that symbolizes a cherished memory you shared with them.

Express through writing or poetry: Sometimes, words can be as powerful as visual art. Don’t be afraid to write letters, poems, or stories about your loved one. Writing can help you process your feelings, create a tribute, and celebrate the legacy you left behind.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to use art therapy to honor someone special. You know your loved one best, so trust your instincts and creativity. The process can be healing and help you embrace the beauty of your shared memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can art therapy benefit those dealing with grief.

Art therapy offers an alternative way to process and manage grief responses, especially for individuals who struggle with verbal expression. By using creativity, art can channel emotions, reduce stress, and help individuals understand their feelings. Creating art can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can be therapeutic for those dealing with loss.

Key takeaway: Art therapy can be an effective tool for expressing and understanding emotions experienced during grief.

What are some effective art activities for adults struggling with grief?

Here are a few art activities that can be helpful for adults going through grief:

• Writing and Journaling : Express your feelings and thoughts through written words.
• Photography and Scrapbooking: Capture memories or create visual representations of emotions.
• Drawing and Painting : Use colors and shapes as an outlet for emotions.
• Collage : Combine pictures, words, and textures representing your grief journey.

Key takeaway: Various art forms can express and process grief, helping individuals heal.

Can participating in grief painting activities help cope with loss?

Yes, grief painting activities can be a helpful way to cope with loss. Painting can serve as a healthy emotional outlet, allowing individuals to release and express their feelings. Additionally, selecting colors, shapes, and images can provide a sense of control and direction in a time when grief might make life feel chaotic.

Key takeaway: Grieving individuals may find solace and a sense of direction through participation in grief painting activities.

Are there any art therapy centers that specialize in grief?

Yes, art therapy centers specialize in grief counseling and support. These centers often employ trained art therapists who utilize various art techniques to help clients process and manage their grief. To find a specialized art therapy center in your area, consider searching locally or asking for referrals from healthcare providers or grief support groups.

Key takeaway: Art therapy centers specializing in grief counseling exist and may provide valuable support to those coping with loss.

How has art historically depicted and addressed grief?

Throughout history, art has been used as a medium to explore, illustrate, and process emotions related to grief. Renowned artists, such as Picasso and van Gogh, often dealt with grief in their personal lives and integrated those emotions into their work. Art has also been used to commemorate and memorialize the deceased, with examples including tombstones, memorials, and paintings of mourning scenes.

Key takeaway: Art has a long history of depicting and addressing grief, showcasing its potential as a powerful therapeutic tool.

What types of creative exercises can be used to process grief and heal?

Several creative exercises can help process grief, including:

• Drawing or painting emotions : Create a visual representation of your grief-associated feelings.
• Writing a letter : Pen a letter to a lost loved one, expressing your thoughts and emotions.
• Memory box : Design a box to hold cherished mementos and memories of the person you’re grieving.
• Expression through movement : Use dance, yoga, or other movement-based activities to connect with your emotions and release tension.

Key takeaway: Creative exercises allow for diverse methods of expressing and processing grief emotions, aiding in the healing process.

Jacob Maslow

After surviving the traumatizing events of 9/11,  I took it upon myself to heal through helping others.  I’m the primary caregiver of my children and understand from first-hand experience the lonely paths you have to walk as a partner and parent  when  leaving an unhealthy relationship.

We’re all echoing in a dark space that doesn’t have to be this empty, and that’s been my mission since finding solace and  recovery in therapy: To  help comfort others who are still in shock  and at the prime of their struggle.

I came across BetterHelp after searching for this type of community. I wanted to belong to a body of proactive  therapists and supportive therapy  veterans  that allowed me to see other sides of the story.

It was unconventional, and that’s what attracted me most. During my most challenging times, when my ex-wife  completely cut me off from my children ,  I found comfort and clarity through BetterHelp.

Instead of being chained to a strict  therapist  recommendation, I was in charge of who I felt understood my struggle most.  That allowed me to find my true peace , as I was reunited with those who read behind my words and had first-hand experience with my trauma.

Recovery is a choice; with BetterHelp, that choice will be a few clicks away. You can join their  couples-oriented platform, Regain.us,  for those stuck with family estrangement and toxic  relationship patterns .

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Masters Theses

Visualizing grief: an exploration of the stages of grief through image and design.

Audra L. Rygh Follow

School of Visual and Performing Arts

Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)

Stacy V. Cannon

5 Stages of Grief, Design, Grief, Grief Therapy, Image, Photography

Disciplines

Digital Humanities | Graphic Design | Photography

Recommended Citation

Rygh, Audra L., "Visualizing Grief: An Exploration of the Stages of Grief through Image and Design" (2018). Masters Theses . 508. https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/508

Grief is an emotion that people have felt since the beginning of time, but in modern culture, there is a lack of visual representation of the five stages of grief. Because grief is a highly personal and unique experience, it can be difficult to visualize what those stages may look like for the mass population. However, if one could develop an understanding of what each stage includes, as well as a study of the thoughts and feelings of those who have experienced grief, this research could aid in the creation of an accurate representation of the stages of grief. The subject of grief is hard for some people to understand and empathize with because they are not the ones personally experiencing the pain. For those who are going through the grieving process, it can be hard to articulate feelings and emotions. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to create a body of photographs that fully depicts the five stages of grief: shock/disbelief and denial, anger, bargaining/guilt, depression, and acceptance/hope. The design aims to bridge gaps in understanding and help people connect their thoughts and feelings to the imagery they are viewing in order to aid in the healing process.

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Use of Imagery in Grief Therapy

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Loss and its companion, grief, are life’s inseparable pair. To grow and move forward, we must let go of the past and accept the resulting pain of loss. This process begins at our birth and does not end until our death. Denying loss may temporarily ease the pain, but not its effect. Such pain continues its impact on life until it is faced and integrated into one’s total personality.

From a fringe, even questionable existence, imagery has risen to be one of the hottest topics in cognitive science. (Block 1981, p. 1)

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Whats your Grief

Growing Around Grief

Understanding Grief / Understanding Grief : Litsa

For further articles on these topics:

Dr. Lois Tonkin, in her 1996 article Growing Around Grief: another way of looking at grief and recovery , tells the story of being in a workshop with a mother whose child died years before.  The woman made a sketch to express to the group how she expected her grief to progress contrasted with how it actually unfolded. In the article, Tonkins shows three figures based on the sketch. The first two show how she expected grief to unfold.

Figure 1 represented her life, and she shaded it in because in the beginning her entire life was filled with and by her grief. 

Figure 2 what she imagined would happen as time passed. She believed her life would remain the same size, but with time her grief would become smaller. This is not what happened.

But she created a third figure, one that she felt represented the way that her grief actually unfolded:

In this figure, her grief is exactly the same size as it was to start. But her life around it is larger. The grief and loss never felt smaller, but her life slowly felt bigger.  It grew around her loss. Her grief was always there, as large as ever, and she still spent time within it. As her life had slowly expanded around her loss, she was now able to experience life in the larger part of the circle as well. With this, the 'Growth Around Grief' concept was born.

This is a far cry from the many complicated grief theories and models that we have written about here before. It captures a single, simple-but-remarkably-relatable feeling that resonates with many grievers. If you have ever felt that your grief was not shrinking, but rather you were just learning to live with it, for your life to grow with and around it, this may be just the theory you have been looking for. You go to new places, meet new people, try new things. You may not want to, but life gives you little choice. That grief is still there, with life expanding around it. As Robert Frost famously said, "In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on".

Tonkin's Growing Around Grief Model, Interpreted

Though we deeply appreciate the images in the original 1996 article, they leave a little something to be desired. This simple theory has captured the hearts of many grievers over the years and we have loved seeing the way this concept has been reinterpreted in other ways.

The Ralph Site , a website and social media community dedicated to petloss, expanded the idea using jars. I love this depiction, as it captures the space that exists in our lives to be filled alongside grief.

Another depiction we found absolutely stunning is from an artist Amanda Carillo on TikTok. She created a beautiful video that describes Tonkin's idea, while she paints her own expression of her grief with her life growing around it.

@amagiovany My interpretation of this model. Picturing this in my head has been helpful. #watercolor #artistsoftiktok #therapytiktok #griefandloss ♬ Only in My Dreams - The Marías

Another depiction we love is from Cruse Bereavement Care , one of the largest bereavement charities in the UK. They show this image as a plant that continues to grow, while the grief itself remains the same size. Though I am not sure it is intentional, I love that in this depiction the grief is almost like a bulb or root. It is not simply something that life grows around, but perhaps something that is integrated within the life that grows around it.

This has me thinking of how WYG might depict this concept and we hope it has you thinking creatively too. Not everyone will connect with this theory. Like all grief theories, it works for some and not others. You can take what is useful and leave the rest. If this one resonated with you and you want to create your own depiction of it, send it our way! We would love to share some other creative depictions of Tonkin's Growth Around Grief model!

We wrote a book!

After writing online articles for  What’s Your Grief for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible, real-life book!

What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss  is for people experiencing any type of loss. This book discusses some of the most common grief experiences and breaks down psychological concepts to help you understand your thoughts and emotions. It also shares useful coping tools, and helps the reader reflect on their unique relationship with grief and loss.

You can find What’s Your Grief? Lists to Help you Through Any Loss wherever you buy books:

• Barnes & Noble
• Books A Million
• Hudson Booksellers

Let’s be grief friends.

We post a new article to What’s Your Grief about once a week. Subscribe to stay up to date on all our posts.

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22 comments on "growing around grief".

Dee   February 24, 2023 at 3:56 pm Reply

I had 2 very unhappy marriages then met my soulmate at 48 years old. 4 years later, nearly to the day I met him he died suddenly of a heart attack.

It’s been 4.5 years and I feel it as if it were yesterday. My therapist advised me to read this article and it’s a relief to know I’m not expected to ‘get over it’ because I never will. What I can do is continue to build a love around it. Thank you.

Jerry   July 3, 2023 at 10:50 pm Reply

It’s hard. You will never feel relieved as will I. I lost my wife and she is an angel. As r u.

Rudy   January 1, 2023 at 10:15 pm Reply

This article hits the very core of my grief. Thank you for posting this. I hope to share it with my grieving friends as well. Love and Light

Map Your Healing Journey   June 6, 2022 at 6:45 am Reply

[…] a video that explains it, as well as an in-depth article about the Growth Around Grief […]

Andrea M Dorsey   May 17, 2022 at 1:06 pm Reply

How about the grief of divorce?

Litsa   May 17, 2022 at 5:53 pm Reply

We have an article about grief after a divorce that you can find here: https://whatsyourgrief.com/grief-after-a-breakup-three-things-you-should-know/

Ginny Williams   October 29, 2021 at 1:41 pm Reply

I too am a grieving widow of just five months. I can understand just how you feel. I’m sorry you are having such a hard time. My husband and I were high school sweethearts and had almost 55 years of marriage. Missed it by three months. I feel I’ll never lose this grieving, but hope in time it lessens.

Liz   October 12, 2021 at 4:48 am Reply

It is 58 weeks since my husband died. I am still finding it difficult to get through each day. I knew it would be difficult but I had no idea how raw the pain would be. I have a lovely family who support me even though they are grieving too – but they don’t break the ‘bubble’ I have around me. I don’t know how I can live like this, I was so sure I would always feel him close but I don’t.

Martin K.   September 29, 2021 at 8:47 am Reply

I was a middle child of 3. One sister and a brother. I lost my sister 16 years ago when I was 20 she was 13. Now, just a few days ago I lost my only sibling left my older brother. I’m 37 now, he was 39. My wife who I still love got a divorce and left a year ago now won’t even pick up my calls. My mom’s in her 3rd year fighting breast cancer and still going through chemotherapy and my dads life expectancy has no promise of tomorrow living with diabetes and overall bad health. Now everyday when I get home from work I sit in my room and my mind starts to wonder off about everything that’s happened but one thing that I’ve always feared and that one thing that really gets to me is the thought of being left all alone soon. I don’t really know what to do but just keep breathing.

Sunshine   October 6, 2021 at 12:56 am Reply

So sorry to hear about your losses. I am also a middle child and lost my younger brother in 2016 then my cousin almost a year later as well as my older brother. I also had a miscarriage and was told I had cancer right in the middle of all this. I completely understand your fear of being left alone. It’s overwhelming and the emotions are intense. I just wanted to reach out and let you know you are not alone in experiencing such losses! I have good days and still bad days but feel the good days are slowly happening more often.

Carol   August 25, 2021 at 6:28 pm Reply

I lost my brother a week ago. We were very close . Everybody is going on with their life and I can’t stop thinking of him and crying and just missing him terribly. I know he’s pain free now and in the Lords hands, but when I’m alone and not doing anything it upsets me that he’s not here. I’m with him over 70 years and now he’s gone. I try to keep busy but I do have to rest. Need some peace of mind

Rosalind   July 12, 2021 at 11:35 pm Reply

I have been reading different comments from the people who lost their loved one and I am relating to them. I have three children they’re grown to daughters and one son on May 3rd of 2021 I lost one of my daughters the 2nd oldest daughter I never felt so angry heartbroken devastated just totally messed up just can’t wrap my brain around it I don’t have no acceptance whatsoever but I have been talking to her. I hope I am not going crazy I look at her Facebook page I even have a picture of her in her casket I look at that too I am an emotional wreck she left behind two children 12 y/o son and 4 y/o daughter she won’t get to be a grandma or see them graduate or get married etc and I start crying grief grief grief it’s hard for me I am just broken

Pamela   June 29, 2021 at 3:21 pm Reply

I lost the love of my of 32 years 8 years ago. It was never the length of time but the quality of our relationship. I am struggling,STILL. I miss everything and find myself dreaming of him and waking up to a reality that he is still gone. I find myself driving down the road and flash thought of why hasn’t he called me today..I have to tell myself again he is gone. I dont go to his grave hurts way to much and reminds me of what I no longer have. I am over whelmed with thoughts about how many times he showed me what I meant to him. How loved I truly was, how much I loved him. So, now that 8 years have passed and telling him to go on Valentines Day as my final gift to him as he was suffering it us all i had left to give him, freedom from pain. I did… yet I suffer here without him!

Joan   July 26, 2021 at 7:58 pm Reply

Pamela, thank you for sharing. I resonate with all you shared. I lost the love of my life over 5 years ago. I agree that the depth of grief is related to the quality of the relationship. Today, as I was just washing dishes I was hit with such sharp pain of her absence & the missing felt unbearable so I just sobbed for a while. Like you, my anniversary gift to her was letting her stop every measure and die because her suffering was extraordinary for over 4 months in an ICU. I still can’t get over the fact that was my anniversary gift to her.

Carmen   June 23, 2021 at 7:02 pm Reply

Working with grieving families, I liken grief to having a puppy. At first, it is all-consuming. Everything you do revolves around the puppy: potty-training, feeding, exercising, socializing, making sure she has everything she needs to grow and move and be content in life. You love her so much you feel life your heart might burst from all the joy you contain! As time goes on, the puppy becomes a dog. You have learned each other’s routines and triggers. You care for your dog, but she no longer takes all of your concentration. You don’t love her any less than you did when she was new, the love is something that you carry all the time – it is no longer constantly overwhelming. It’s still hard sometimes, but there’s a shift over the years in how to approach it.

Dan Zwicker   June 9, 2021 at 8:30 pm Reply

I agree with your model.

We never stop grieving.

However, we can distract ourselves through interests and activities that we enjoy.

Your website is excellent!

Dan Zwicker Toronto, Canada

Toby   June 8, 2021 at 1:59 pm Reply

Thank you for this article. I lost my husband in April. He loved gardening and taking care of the yard. The last year, I found he had been collecting small rocks from the yard that he found interesting. I initially thought it kind of “cute” but silly. Since his passing, I have those “cute” rocks as on of the things I think about that brought him simple joy. I’ve been trying to think what I can do with them to honor his memory. This article has given me an idea to add my own rocks to his collection as I continue to live my life. Maybe a little rock for each milestone I have without him or one from each new place I discover without him. In time, my collection may become larger than his collection, but his collection will always be the core of my collection. Reminding me that life moves on, that my grief for him will never diminish, and that he is very much a part of who I am.

Gary B   June 8, 2021 at 10:42 am Reply

I am only 3 years in but I can feel myself starting to become more of that sunnyside egg feeling in # 3. My grief is always there-not a moment or situation goes by without it hitting me and it always will. But while life goes on and things seem to improve around it- its always and I know it will always be there. It to me signifies the love that I/we had as you never really stop grieving. Things just move around you and you get better at masking it and realizing the happy times and moments have taken the place of the last tragic months/days that seemed as if they would never leave. They have-it took a little over 2 years to eliminate them. I dont know if thats fast or slow-good or bad- but its been me.

pauline Stacey   June 8, 2021 at 9:15 am Reply

this so resonates with me.. 18months on, dh died, after 50 years of togetherness.. well thank you for this.. I haven`t gone through , well not much, the “guilty” phase that is mentioned, but had a touch of it, and surely this helps assuage that..

Alexis SPICECALDER.   June 8, 2021 at 8:06 am Reply

Six years in October 21 my hubby who I had known since I was 13 years old & we had been married for 53 years passed away, 5 months & 5 days later my 43 year old son also passed.I can not seem to come to terms with this.I have 1 other son who has turned into a control freak,demanding that I let him take care of my finances,had control of my “P.O.A.” & I had to move to a warden assisted flat, I said NO so until I say yes” which I never will! I do not see him now. This has been too much for me to cope with.I just go from one day to another. I have had counselling & was told until I accept their loss I can not move on. I feel that I will never accept it,so where do I go from here.

Sue   August 23, 2021 at 10:44 pm Reply

We don’t “move on” from grief. We move forward with it. Check out Nora McInerny on YouTube. Her Ted talk is awesome and hopeful.

Ghazala Khan   June 8, 2021 at 7:52 am Reply

I still feel deeply the loss of my beloved sister to cancer now 16 months ago. The pain of losing her still hits me hard on some days and sometimes I feel that the more time that passes since her loss the more I feel deeply the sadness of her being gone from us As more time passes can the grief of the loss of a loved one become deeper?

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Hektoen International

A Journal of Medical Humanities

Crossing boundaries: visual representations of death and dying

Mary T. Shannon Portland, Oregon, United States

Introduction

Selection of 6 prints from a 27 photographic series

Silver gelatin prints – 8 x 10”

© Joyce Cutler-Shaw

How do we as clinicians, caregivers, and fellow human beings talk about death and dying in our culture, or perhaps more precisely, how do we not talk about it? Many avoid the topic out of fear, denial, or discomfort, creating silent narratives that torment, isolate, and separate at a time when connection with others is needed the most. How can we begin to break this silence? How can we live and die out loud while building compassion, connection, and understanding?

By crossing the traditional boundaries of words with color, shape, line, and texture, contemporary artists Joyce Cutler-Shaw and Ricardo Mazal are helping to shape our post-modern view and cultural construct of not only what it means to make the natural transition from life to death, but also what it may look like. The power of an image to make the invisible visible, to re-define, encourage, and empower us to think about death differently, and then to talk about it differently, is how individual and cultural silences are banished; it is how a strong, collective voice is born.

Beyond words: visual representation

The complex and intimate relationship between the verbal and visual, the body’s two distinct modes of information gathering and communication, have historically “often been in contest, even open conflict . . . ” (Morley 2003, 14).

In our current era of information overload we are bombarded with texts and images, easily forgetting that before words, humans used to rely solely on pictures. In prehistoric times, men used pictographs—line drawings etched into the walls of caves—to make contact with one another. It was the first link in an emerging process of communication that said, “I am here. Recognize my presence.” It endowed its creator with a certain kind of immortality since some images extended beyond the human’s life span.

Ink on Japanese handmade paper

23 ½” x 33 ½”

But what exactly goes into visual representation? What are the particularities of influence affecting the one who is doing the representing? Author Susan Sontag reminds us that all imagery “represents the view of someone” (Sontag 2003, 31), and yet that view may change throughout the creative process, through the inter-subjective dialogue it engenders between the maker and the self and between the maker and the viewer. The process of making art—of objectifying and distancing oneself from the experience one is relaying—is a release of sorts. Once the internal landscape is given external form, a new relationship to the experience can emerge. No longer is the experience imbedded within the artist’s psychic/bodily space, for the objectification allows a perceptual shift in both cognition and affect to occur. The maker can now “see” what was once hidden, and begin to see it anew.

When creating or viewing a piece of art, it is important to remember that the image does not exist solely on its own, for it is “bounded by a space-time of experience that sets it off from the mundane world. This does not imply a separation from the world . . . but the fabrication of a way of being in relation to things, so that they are imbued with meanings that previously did not belong to them” (Radley 2009, 189). And it is this possibility for new meaning that sets the act of creating and witnessing visual representations of death and dying apart from other forms of communication.

Every “culture must establish a particular relationship to pain and death . . . a grammar of pain itself . . . both external and internal to the body” (Bennett 2005, 49-50), for it is only then that meaning can be assigned and a greater understanding of the experience can be achieved. But because grief and mourning are more diffuse and unruly than other life experiences, it is beset with an uncertain temporality whose course “engages a much slower process of perception, in which the transformation of the object is itself gradually apprehended rather than instantly recognized” (Bennett 2005, 61).

Art provides a safe space with which to re-imagine and re-configure the death and dying experience, making it a wholly unique endeavor that accepts inner and outer worlds equally and manifests them with continuity. The discursive space created by art provides the maker and the viewer with an opening, an opportunity to co-construct a broader vision that may not have been possible through any other interaction. Through this melding of interiority and exteriority in the form of visual representation, a depth of understanding and ordering of one’s experience occurs, often at a subliminal, unrecognizable level at first, but it is here, at the nexus of conscious and unconscious perception, where the important work of psychic integration of the experience begins.

Transition from life to death by Joyce Cutler-Shaw 

Through the ages artists have utilized the process of visual representation to confront strong emotions. For Joyce Cutler-Shaw it began during a photographic study she was doing of her next-door neighbor, Eddy.

“‘It’s too much work to live,’ he suddenly told her one day, and he let go. His hand dropped. His head dropped. . . . What was left was suddenly leaden. His skewered mouth, contracting, even before my eyes, was sculpture. He had become sculpture” (Cutler-Shaw 2010).

When Cutler-Shaw speaks of Eddy, she does so through the lens of a keen observer. “He was under five feet tall, less than ninety pounds, and for many years, in a state of chronic heart failure. He was a very quiet man. I was captivated by his hands, claw-like, and skeletal. They spoke in a language of gesture, as a conversation in an alphabet of bones” (Cutler-Shaw 2010).

Cutler-Shaw then witnessed the slow death of Eddy’s wife, Rose, whose portrait she drew every week for five years, resulting in more than 100 multiple image drawings in pen and ink. “Rose did her dying ever so slowly, in a leisurely retreat. She regressed in small, barely visible strokes, wandering through her memories, confessing her secrets, one by one.” According to Cutler-Shaw, “How we depict the body . . . and interpret the body . . . and behave toward the body . . . reveals the way we see and understand ourselves.”

Today, Cutler-Shaw continues to “approach the body as a matrix of the human condition, and the study of its territory as a geography” (Cutler-Shaw 2010).

Ricardo Mazal’s depictions of burial practices    

Artist Ricardo Mazal’s study of mortality was originally inspired by the death of his mother at age fifty-nine. He has since traveled the world to ancient burial grounds examining the cultural rituals of death and dying, with the goal of producing a multi-cultural trilogy on burial practices. Part I of this trilogy, The Red Queen , was based upon the discovery of an ancient Mayan tomb in Mexico dating back to AD 600, where a limestone sarcophagus held the “mummified remains of a woman cloaked in a rich, red pigment called cinnabar,” the same color Mazal often used in his own work, and depicted in the photograph below.

In 2003, he traveled to the foothills of the Eastern Chiapas mountain range to do research and photograph the burial site. Transferring photographic images of the site to his computer to produce digital sketches, he studied their shape and space, their interplay of light and dark, until he was ready to begin transferring these concepts to the canvas. His goal was to create a “deep sense of space, time, and movement.” Two of his finished pieces were the exact dimensions of the Red Queen’s burial chamber (98.5 x 150 inches), and he used the same measurement to create an installation for an exhibition at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.

In May, 2005, Mazal was suddenly faced with his own mortality when he and his family were the victims of a near-fatal car accident. Though no one was seriously injured, he looks upon that day as “the strongest experience I’d had in my life, and it forced me to reflect on the themes of my work. I now understood that they were not about death, but really the celebration of life” (Bamsey 2009).

Palenque, Mexico

Photograph by Javier Hinojosa

Oil on linen – 98.5″ x 150″

© Ricardo Mazal

Part II of his trilogy, Odenwald 1152 , began in 2007 while visiting a friend in Germany, who took him to a wooded escape called Friedwald (Peace Forest). As they walked the land, Mazal noticed that many of the trees had been tagged with circular plaques, each inscribed with different numbers and the letters “OD” (short for the Odenwald region in Germany). The friend explained that the forest was designated as a place where families could lease the rights to a tree for 99 years and inter a loved one’s cremated remains beneath its limbs, where it was believed the loved one would coexist with the roots and live on in the woodland in eternal peace. Mazal knew this would have to be his next project.

After meeting with the mayor to discuss his intention of creating a book about Odenwald , the mayor generously offered to give Mazal his own tree. The next day they left together to search for the right one. Many hours passed without a decision as they walked the forest, during which time Mazal gave great thought to what he was doing. “So who am I? How am I reflecting myself to choose this tree? And I’m by myself, not with my wife or family. I was going through a deep personal analysis” (Bamsey 2009).

Odenwald 1152 PH1, 2008 Pigment ink – Print on paper 14″ x 10″ © Ricardo Mazal

Odenwald 1152 No. 18 , 2008 Oil on linen

98.5″ x 157.5″ © Ricardo Mazal

Then in the distance, he saw a four-foot-wide tree that opened up into four trunks—two small ones and two large ones—tagged OD 1152. “It was my family and me,” he said, referring to his wife and two children. Mazal then took hundreds of photographs that he turned into digital sketches before doing the final paintings of vertical silhouettes resembling tree trunks.

Part III in the trilogy is entitled Kora , which denotes the pilgrimage around Mount Kailash, the most sacred mountain in Asia.

“With scarce fuel and timber resources and too rocky for digging graves, ‘sky burial,’ or ritual dissection, was once a common funerary practice in Tibet. Now condemned by the Chinese government, it is practiced only on rare occasions. The custom is to dismember the human corpse in specific locations and to place the parts on mountaintops, where they are exposed to the elements and birds of prey” (Dias 2010). Because the majority of Tibetans adhere to Buddhism, Mazal learned that feeding a corpse to vultures is believed to be an essential part of the cycle of life and death. Sky burials are thus not a time for sadness or mourning, but rather a time for reflection on the impermanence of life.

As with The Red Queen and Odenwald projects, the burial ceremony was not the object of Mazal’s focus. Rather, he studied the site itself, and the natural and cultural contexts in which sky burials are practiced. After conducting interviews with local residents, historians, and anthropologists, along with extensive photographic documentation and digital manipulation, the result was a painting that reflected a unique combination of art, nature, and technology. Mazal’s exploration into this ecologically friendly funerary ritual began in 2009 and is now on an exhibition tour.

The completion of this trilogy reflects the theme of Mazal’s work: a celebration of the circle of life. Not only does this trilogy present a unique way to communicate the multilayered and complex subject of death and dying, it does so from a global perspective. Through visual representation of three radically different times and cultures, and the human behaviors and attitudes toward the deceased within that context, he in turn provides us with a powerful way to understand the behaviors and values of the living.

Oil on linen

98.5″ x 125″ © Ricardo Mazal

Pigment ink – Print on paper

28.5″ x 43″

The space between the known and the unknown, between the reality of life and the abstraction of death, is often one of fear and discomfort, for there is no reference point we can look toward for understanding, no touchstone from which to draw comfort. Through the work of Ricardo Mazal and Joyce Cutler-Shaw, we are given that reference point through a distinct visual language of their own—each providing us with a new way to see, think, and talk about death and dying.

By bridging the gap between the conscious and the unconscious, between interiority and exteriority, maker and viewer, the process of visual representation provides a depth of clarity, understanding, and empathy otherwise difficult to achieve through words alone. Art, in all its forms, is a representation of human experience, and it is in the sharing of our experiences, even as we struggle to make meaning of them, that we create a sense of humanity.

• Bamsey, B. 2009. Ricardo Mazal with video interview. Artworks Magazine , Winter 2008.
• Bennett, J. 2005. Empathic vision:  affect, trauma, and contemporary art . Stanford: Stanford University Press.
• Cutler-Shaw, J. Genesis of The Anatomy Lesson: The Three Deaths . http://joycecutlershaw.com/anatomy/al_txt.html (accessed February 24, 2010).
• Dias, C. 2010. Ricardo Mazal:  A Burial Trilogy. http://www.modavivendi.com (accessed February 25, 2010).
• Morley, S. 2003. Writing on the wall : word and image in modern art . Los Angeles: University of California Press.
• Radley, A. 2009. Works of illness: narrative, picturing and the social response to serious disease . Ashby-de-la-Zouche: InkerMen Press.
• Sontag, S. 2003. Regarding the pain of others . New York: Picador.

MARY T. SHANNON , MSW, MS is a graduate of Columbia University’s master’s program in narrative medicine. Mary has consistently turned to the arts throughout her career for their ability to provide depth, insight, and healing for herself as well as her clients. Author of The Sunday Wishbone: A Memoir, Mary is also an award-winning artist. Founder of Narrative Connections, an online blog and storytelling community, she also conducts “Writing for Your Life” workshops for writers and non-writers alike. Visit her website at www.marytshannon.com.

About the artists

JOYCE CUTLER-SHAW desired to explore the transition from life to death more fully after experiencing the death of her own mother, Lola. She became the first visual artist to be appointed by the School of Medicine of the University of California, San Diego as Artist-In-Residence /Visiting Scholar, where she has worked since 1992. She feels privileged to pursue this independent investigation of the human body in a medical school setting. Drawing is at the heart of her work as a primary language, way of knowing, mode of inquiry, and as an act of empathy. Her works are represented in many museums and library special collections, including the Albertina Museum in Vienna, New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the 42 nd Street Library, as well as the Wellcome Institute in London. Permanent installations and her archive is part of the Special Collections Library at the University of California, San Diego. Visit her website at www.joycecutlershaw.com.

RICARDO MAZAL was born in Mexico City and currently lives in New York and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is represented by galleries in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Spain.  In the last decade, he has had ten individual exhibitions at museums including the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Monterrey, Mexico; Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City; The Americas Society, New York; and The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit his website at www.ricardomazal.com.

Highlighted in Frontispiece  Spring 2011 – Volume 3, Issue 2

Spring 2011

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Home > FACULTY > FacPubs > 1989

Faculty and Research Publications

A visual representation of the grief cycle for use by teachers with families of children with disabilities.

M. L. Anderegg , Kennesaw State University Glenn A. Vergason , Georgia State University Margaret C. Smith , Heard County Schools, GA

Document Type

Publication date.

Data from current studies of the grief process experienced by parents whose children have disabilities have been incorporated with the results of observations of 130 parents from two support groups to develop a visual representation of this process. The current model is useful in working with parents to facilitate their movement through stages of the grief process into more functional behavior. Behaviors from the traditional models of grief are organized into clusters for a conceptualization that will aid professionals in its use as a counseling tool with families of children with disabilities. Implications drawn from the grief cycle for use with parents and other family members are described including the full range of interactions in this model. These interactions make it unnecessary for the professional to view the parent or family members as dysfunctional.

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For Grievers

If You Have Lost A Loved One

Grief is a unique journey, and no grief experience is identical.  It can be painful and confusing. It has its own timetable. Grief is a natural part of life, yet we do not always have the skills and resources to understand and manage the grief process.

Based on professional grief expertise and evidence-based models, GrieveWell has developed its services, workshops, and resources to support adults struggling with the death of a loved one.

Although life may never be the same, with patience and support, it is possible to find hope, healing and a full life after loss.

In learning to live in your new reality, it can be helpful to:

• Learn about the process of grief, which will help you have compassion for yourself and others, and feel less alone
• Be tolerant of your physical and emotional limits
• Make time to process your thoughts and feelings, which at times can feel overwhelming
• Ask for support and accept help

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Meet weekly with someone who understands your grief journey.

Learn more about grief, how to support yourself, and creative healing.

Online Resources

Here are several items to help you understand grief.

Resources For Grievers

Four Tasks of Mourning

These tasks, in no particular order, are activities that grievers gradually engage in to support healing. Adapted by the work of J. W. Worden.

Mind Mapping

Engage in mind mapping to identify ways to honor the loved one that you have lost.

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Each grief experience is a unique experience - yet there are common experiences along the way. Check out this visual representation of a grief journey. Where are you?

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Home » Misc » What is Five Stages of Grief?

What is Five Stages of Grief?

• Posted on February 23, 2022
• / Under Misc
• / With 4 Comments

Everyone has probably experienced a lost love, the death of a loved one, a car accident, an event like the 9/11 earthquake, finding out they have cancer or HIV and other sad and catastrophic events.

At first, we may be overwhelmed and hysterical about such an outcome, but after a period of complex psychological changes, will we eventually come through?

Do you find that there is always a similar process whenever you experience such events?

The Five Stages of Grief by Kubler-Ross

Today I would like to share Kübler-Ross’ “The Five Stages of Grief” with you in order to understand the five stages we go through in the process of facing a sad, catastrophic event.

Edit this Five Stages of Grief Template

1. Denial and Isolation

Often, when we receive information about a sad, catastrophic event, the first thing we do is deny it and isolate ourselves. This is actually a defense mechanism; we prefer to selectively hide these facts rather than face the hard truths.

• “No way! He just had dinner with me yesterday!?”
• “Don’t be ridiculous, it’s not true.”
• “Oh, my God! This kind of thing can’t happen, can it?”
• “This can’t be happening to me, something must be wrong.”

When we can no longer lie to ourselves and come out of “denial,” the pain hits us so hard that we project our inner frustration onto others, and sometimes onto ourselves. Then we may start blaming others, blaming others, or even getting angry at ourselves.

• “It’s my fault, if I had been with him yesterday, he wouldn’t have killed himself!”
• “Why did it happen to me? God, isn’t it fair?”
• “Why didn’t you reach out and help him! This is all your fault.”

3. Bargaining

When the “anger” has passed, our thoughts may change a bit to try to make the outcome less bad, and sometimes we pray (bargain) to God that the bad outcome will not come so soon.

• “If I had gone to the doctor sooner, I could have lived a few more years ……”
• “Please let me live until the kids get married and start a family?”
• “If you smoked less, you wouldn’t have to…”
• “I would do anything if he would just wake up.”

4. Depression

At this stage, we realize the loss and the fact that “bargaining” is useless, so the pain strikes again, and this time it hits the heart so firmly that there is no reason to run away. This is the time when we become vulnerable and negative, so be very careful, many of us may choose to end our lives because we can’t get out of it.

• “I won’t live more than a few years anyway, so let’s end it now!”
• “He really left me, and I don’t want to live without him ……”
• “Oh, why should I care about that, I’m going to die anyway…”

5. Acceptance

At this stage, we become calm and come out of the “depression”, realizing that life is impermanent and we don’t need to trap ourselves in our grief. We learn to let go, rebuild our lives, and prepare to begin a new journey in life.

• “Now that it has happened this way, life must go on!”
• “It will get better! Everything will pass.”
• “Well, since this is an irreversible fact, I will continue to help you walk the rest of the way ……”

Five Stages of Grief Template – Edit Now

The “five stages of grief” vary from person to person, and some people may only go through a few of these stages; others may get stuck in “depression” and even choose to end their lives, never reaching the point of “accepting” the truth. Stages.

By understanding the “five stages of grief,” you can help yourself examine your current state, find ways to cope, and get out of the shadow of grief faster. Sometimes a change of mind, a change of thought, is the key to “acceptance”.

People will always have to deal with loss and grief, and it is impossible to live a smooth life. How strongly one lives depends on how many coping skills one has accumulated and how one solves the problems one encounters. In fact, life is like a series of “problems and solutions”. At every stage, we encounter various problems, big and small. All we have to do is to find solutions to them and get ourselves to the next level.

Five Stages of Grief Infographic Templates

Edit this infographic template

Edit this Five Stages of Grief Infographic Template

Edit – Beautiful Five Stages of Grief Template

Edit this Professional Five Stages of Grief Template

Edit this Beautiful Five Stages of Grief Template

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Pregnancy Loss and Visual Expressions of Grief: An Examination of Frida Kahlo

July 28, 2010

Quietly the grief loudly the pain. The accumulated poison love faded away

Mine was a strange world of criminal silences of stranger’s watchful eyes misreading the evil. darkness in the daytime… Was it my fault? I admit, my great guilt as great as pain it was an enormous exit which my love went through.

— Frida Kahlo , from her diary

Frida Kahlo had a relationship with tragedy that is almost unparalleled. The Mexican painter began this relationship at a fairly young age—when Kahlo was eighteen, she suffered near fatal injuries from a bus accident in which a section of metal handrail pierced her body. The accident left her with a broken spine and collarbone, several broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder many fractures in her right leg, and a broken pelvis. She mostly recovered from these physical injuries, but her broken pelvis created a plethora of physical and psychological repercussions. The damage was such that Kahlo was unable to have children, and her attempts all ended in miscarriage and grief. Her pelvic injury served as a prelude for her traumatic reproductive life—three miscarriages, one of which caused severe hemorrhaging, and a lengthy recovery. However, Kahlo did not let her reproductive tragedies consume her entire life. Instead, she examined and worked through her experiences in her paintings. Therefore, by examining her work, we get an understanding of how she experienced the grieving process. But more than that, we can use Kahlo’s work to map a visual vocabulary that those experiencing the grief of pregnancy loss can employ to express their own grief.

Similarly, one can better understand Kahlo’s grieving process through her images by comparing her images to the traditional stages of grief; in the same way, others may better understand their own grieving processes through viewing and understanding her work. Yet one must be careful in using Kahlo as a universal example for all women who have experienced pregnancy loss. Cultural, socioeconomic and political identities have an enormous impact on any woman’s experience, and to ignore these differences is akin to ignoring gender difference in pursuit of a masculine universal. Following the use of Kahlo as an individual rather than a universal, one finds that she had many qualities that could separate her from other women. Kahlo was an ardent Communist, whose political beliefs of class abolition and planned economies would be a stark contrast to those of a constituent of a democracy. Her Mexican heritage emerges in a majority of her paintings, and she strongly identified with her indigenous ancestors and pre-Columbian culture. Some other characteristics that may alienate Kahlo from other women’s experiences are her bisexuality, her occupation as an artist, and her reproductive experience. However, Kahlo still is one of the only major artists to directly communicate her reproductive grief through visual art. Her grief is personal, and her experience with pregnancy loss is personal, but that doesn’t mean others cannot relate to her work. In fact, studying her work may provide others suffering from pregnancy loss—whether artists themselves, art scholars, or non-artists looking for a way to express their grief—an invaluable expressive vocabulary.

Although studying Kahlo’s paintings over the course of her miscarriages provides no definite answers to her grief process, some telling patterns emerge. These patterns can be grouped into themes that seem to reveal Kahlo’s grieving process after her miscarriages. Baby imagery, a desolate or claustrophobic use of space, the “floating Frida” effect, and the appearance of vines/umbilical cords all seem to represent different stages of the grieving process.

Kahlo’s very realistic and anatomically correct depictions of fetuses and the biological process of reproduction seem to reflect feelings of denial and yearning. Because Kahlo did not have a baby of her own, she may have allowed herself to circumvent the loss by creating a new, painted baby that gave her an opportunity to imagine a world in which her baby was still alive. Kahlo, perhaps going through a process of denial, may have recognized either her own attempt to deny the loss, or a societal pressure to deny the loss, and used visual representations of babies and reproduction to combat these feelings of denial. Later, when appearances of babies merge into representations of her pets (often seen by Kahlo as her “children”), it does not seem to represent denial as much as yearning. Her use of pets and baby imagery in the subject matter of her work may indicate not only her denial during her grieving process, but perhaps the start of a means of dealing with that grief.

Kahlo’s use of space suggests more of a struggle with the grieving process. The alternating use of empty space and very claustrophobic space seems to provide a visual analogue to feelings of numbness and shock, feelings that are common to many people who have experienced pregnancy loss. . Visual impressions of numbness are quite evident in Kahlo’s bare background self-portraits, but also in works like Henry Ford Hospital. Although there are objects that occupy the picture plane, Kahlo is very small in relation to the bed, and the bed is fairly small and separate from the rest of the painting. The floating bed also implies a sense of detachment or listlessness. Kahlo does not relate to the rest of the world, and instead, seems to lose herself into nothingness. In contrast, the tight, claustrophobic space created by the dense, jungle backgrounds in her later self-portraits appear to force Kahlo’s image out of the picture plane and at the viewer. Rich detail and patterns completely fill up the picture plane, and present a very stark contrast to the very empty and bare backgrounds of her earlier self-portraits, in which Kahlo is isolated. This suffocating movement is dramatic and sudden, and could be one way to represent the experience of shock. Kahlo may have felt like she was thrown into a situation over which she had no control, so she in turn throws herself at the viewer.

Kahlo’s grieving process continues with her placement of body. In many paintings, Kahlo does not look as if she is physically connected to the ground. Instead, she floats delicately, hovering slightly above the ground. Many sufferers of pregnancy loss mention feelings of disconnection, even out-of-body experiences. These same feelings of disconnect are shared by sufferers of depression, a common stage of grief. The floating begins as early as Frida and Diego Rivera, a painting that roughly coincided with her first miscarriage. It becomes more pronounced in works like. The large traditional skirts that Kahlo liked to wear may contribute to this floating effect, but the disconnected feeling remains. It looks like Kahlo felt separated from the rest of the world because of her pregnancy losses and because of her grief. Perhaps her visual representation of her disconnect helped Kahlo understand her own feelings of depression.

Lastly, the manner in which Kahlo uses flowing lines to either connect or disconnect may correspond to her process of finding resolution to her grief. The process of change in the depiction of roots may reflect on Kahlo’s integration of her pregnancy losses into the rest of her life. As the vine-like lines become more solidly connected to the world around them, so too does Kahlo become more connected with her grief, and draws closer to resolution. These lines appear as vines, umbilical chords, ribbons, or blood vessels, but all share the same fluid, coiling quality. These lines appear to have a very direct connection to Kahlo’s development towards resolution. The connectedness of the lines seems to show progress toward resolution. For example, in perhaps one of her most incredible self-portraits, Roots, the vines take root, and securely reconnect Kahlo with the Earth. In this painting, Kahlo reclines comfortably as a multitude of tangled roots erupt from a cavity in her chest. It has been called a “childless woman’s dream,” most likely because the roots come out of her womb, and extend out into the world. A child is one of the ways a parent continues her or himself, but Kahlo replaces the children with vines. The vines have also been seen as umbilical cords, which suggests that the vines connect Kahlo to the earth, implying that Kahlo is giving birth to the earth itself. No matter which interpretation one uses, it is clear that the lines in Roots, a painting from later in her career, are far more connected and grounded than the lines in some of her early paintings, such as Henry Ford Hospital.

Despite these clear echoes of reproduction, Kahlo had many reasons other to continue to grieve throughout her life, from her husband’s infidelities to her debilitating injuries and illnesses. These themes of grief could be a result of any number of different traumas. It is therefore empirically impossible to discern if the grief revealed in any given painting is due to her miscarriages or another loss in her life.

The study of art history is often seen as an “ivory tower” endeavor, which produces research that is valuable or applicable to a select view in the same field. However, the use of Kahlo’s work to map a visual vocabulary that those experiencing the grief of pregnancy loss can employ to express their own grief has a number of real-world applications. First, it brings attention to the silence that surrounds pregnancy loss; by discussing Kahlo’s experience, we move one step closer to ending the silence. It also validates Kahlo’s experience, and recognizes her pregnancy losses as significant. But most importantly, it could give women who do not have the artistic background that Kahlo did to use visual expression to work through their own grieving processes. These women can look to Kahlo as an example of a peer who successfully used visual expression to describe her miscarriages, and perhaps have hope that they may be equally successful. If women who are not artists have trouble expressing themselves through visual images, they can use Kahlo’s visual vocabulary to express their own experience. Similarly, her work may be useful to tailor art therapy sessions to the grieving process from pregnancy loss, and provide women with more specialized support. Finally, the study of Frida Kahlo may lead to similar studies of other artists who have experienced pregnancy loss to see how they express their grief either similarly or differently. Other major female artists, amateur artists who do not paint for the public eye, men whose partners have suffered pregnancy loss—all have unique perspectives on the grieving process from pregnancy loss.

lexistentialism

growing with the grief

Moving with grief instead of moving on.

‘lexistentialism’ is a bi-weekly Monday night newsletter where I share inspiration, epiphanies, and what I'm thinking about that week.

trigger warning for talk of grief and death. please read at your discretion!

today is february 7th. for the last few years, I’ve been pretty vocal about the heaviness of grief that’s always stronger during this particular month. this isn’t the first time I’ve written explicitly about death in my newsletter, and I can tell you now that it won’t be the last because I don’t think anyone ever fully “moves on” from grief.

I found a visual representation of grief a while back that explained how instead of depicting grief as something that gets smaller over time, we should recognize that we are the ones who change and are able to grow around our grief as a result.

[image description: three jars, each with a ball depicting grief. in each jar, the ball gets smaller, with the caption: “people tend to believe that grief shrinks over time.” this is followed by three more jars, but this time the ball stays the same size as the jars get larger, with the caption: “what really happens is that we grow around our grief.”]

this used to really resonate with me, because even as we move through the five stages of grief, I don’t think the feeling ever gets smaller. so it was comforting to imagine that I myself have grown around the heaviness.

but I’ve come to the realization that maybe it isn’t one or the other. we have this idea that either the grief is getting smaller or we are getting bigger, but I don’t think it’s true. I think maybe the grief grows with us as it becomes a part of us.

to me, “growing around” grief implies that we’re trying to get away from it. which, in a sense, is true — that’s what the first several stages of grief entail. but we can never truly escape what changes us and finds itself in everything we do. it creates a home in our bones and all we can really do is find a way to move forward in this new form.

and yes, we may find that over time we are spending less time thinking about our grief. but that’s because everything we do is informed by it. we are forever changed by the losses we endure. and the way grief washes over us never goes away. not really.

for me, february is difficult because it marks the anniversary of a loss that has shaped the way I’ve moved through the world since it happened three years ago. truthfully, while my grief doesn’t always look the same as it did back then, I am never not feeling it — I am simply growing and changing alongside it.

I grieve the way the world looked when he was in it, and how much happier it was. I’m angry because I can’t stop thinking about all the life he should've had the chance to live but didn’t get to. I feel guilty because I’m about to turn 22 and that is something he never got to do.

I am trying to make space for all these feelings. I am still learning how to remember without unravelling. but if grief is a ball in a jar as depicted earlier and we are the jars, maybe there is more to the jar than the ball of grief situated at the bottom. instead of an empty jar, maybe they’re full of water. but this ball of grief will inevitably change the colour of the water, and once it does, we can never change it back. all we can do is learn to navigate the world as this permanently altered version of ourselves.

that sounds scary because it is. but we are ever-changing no matter our circumstances, so we may as well learn to grow with our grief. we may as well keep living, keep loving, keep holding on to the things that ground us.

if the world’s going to move either way, we may as well move with it.

disclaimer: I recognize that there is more nuance to this topic than what I’ve discussed here. I also understand that grief for many of you may not be in relation to the death of another person, but in relation to a life you once imagined for yourself, a relationship, etc. feel free to interpret any of what is written here in whatever way suits you best.

this week’s song recommendation is louis tomlinson’s “two of us” . written as a tribute to his late mother, this song is about grappling with grief as well as striving towards hope, or “living one life for the two of us” simply because that’s what the other person would want.

this song actually came out three weeks after my own loss, so in many ways it’s responsible for saving my life during a time where all I wanted was to sink into the ground. I’m not sure I believe in signs, but it’s hard not to take the timing of this song’s release as a sign to just keep moving, one day at a time. what else can we do?

thanks for reading,

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A Visual Representation of Grief

The complexity of grief is what makes it feel so immense. In movies we are told that there are stages to grief and while that helps us feel a bit more organized as we process a loss, it's not totally accurate. Grief is not predictable. There's no timeline or guide to navigating grief fully. And I think that this is why it feels so lonely -- because we can't have someone tell us what step to take next or how to skip over the difficult parts. Navigating grief means adapting to your "new normal" and finding ways to process the death, cope with the grief, and move forward in life in a way that honors what you've been through. GRIEF IS SO HARD 💔 How's your grief today? Sending each of you lots of love. xoxo, Arden

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Department of Art

Deer departure – darien a. deal.

Deer Departure is an interactive video game telling the story of my journey grieving over my father’s death during my freshman year on a train ride through the foothills of Colorado. The title of the game being a pun on the protagonist’s species and the phrase ‘dearly departed’ paints a cartoonish and naive perspective of death by putting the viewer in the role of a young fawn. The story is told as a visual novel, which forces the viewer to actively engage with the conversations on-screen and make decisions in that moment in order to progress. This means that although textual interaction is the primary way to consume this installation, it is not the only way. The supporting characters that the player meets throughout the game each represent a stage of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ model of the five stages of grief, ranging from denial to acceptance.

By creating a piece that is not limited to the physical gallery, the story being told can be expanded upon in the future through a wider public release. Video games by design carry an interdisciplinary workload which allows visual, audial, and tactile engagement. That interactivity facilitates an emotional bond with the stylized characters on the computer screen. I hope that by being able to put yourselves in another person’s shoes, an empathetic bond can form between people with vastly different life experiences than your own. As well as be able to look back and revisit these emotions outside of the gallery setting.

You can download Deer Departure on your personal computer with this link: https://twinkletalon.itch.io/deer-departure

Darien A. Deal is a traditional and digital artist who focuses on the representation of the natural world through a fantastical lens. Her work displays flora and fauna in a semi-naturalistic style in order to present a twist on the established conceptions of what makes something ‘magical’. She has displayed work across the United States, but predominantly in Colorado and Tennessee. The materials she uses range from acrylic paints to wire sculpture to tell stories that engage the visual senses as much as the conceptual. Creating that suspension of disbelief through narrative is one of the key ways that her work seeks to become relevant in an ever changing world. Her focus post-graduation is on an exploration of digital media and how technology allows us to expand our artistic practices as humanity through video game development.

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