'It's hard to be Anywhere.' Painting, Adele Giles
Beyond Words: The Therapeutic Value of Art for Grieving Hearts by Adele Giles.
Grief is an experience that defies words. The pain and complexity of loss can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unable to express what we are going through. In times like these, many turn to art as a way of processing their emotions and finding a sense of solace. Art has the power to speak to us in ways that language cannot.
A Personal Journey:
When my Grancher passed away, it stirred up mixed emotions within me, from anger to despair, and left me feeling lost and disconnected. During a whirlwind of emotions in my studio, I unrolled several sheets of drawing paper and took out a set of soft pastels. During this time, I created several new works. Among them is a drawing entitled “Caitlin in Grancher’s Dressing Gown”. This piece became a tangible representation of my feelings and memories.
Drawing has since become a powerful form of art therapy for me. The physical act of using my hands to translate my emotions onto paper has given me a sense of agency amid grief. My studio is a space to reflect and process my feelings in a more focused and intentional way.
'Oh no, Mum went to get bread'
Art and Transcendence:
Munch [Edvard Munch, a nineteenth century painter, I’ve placed in one of his work’s here for reference] believed that art had the power to transcend the physical world and connect with something beyond. Through his paintings, Munch tapped into his own experiences of grief and loss to create something that resonated with audiences on a deep emotional level. His work continues to inspire and move people today, demonstrating the power of art to transcend the physical and connect with something deeper within ourselves.
“The camera cannot compete with the brush and the palette so long as it cannot be used in heaven or hell.” - Edvard Munch.
When an individual is focused on the creative process, they can let go of their worries and anxieties, allowing themselves to simply be in the present moment. In this meditative state, they may experience a sense of catharsis, or release, which can be a powerful and transformative experience.
“Maybe an artist has to function a little bit above themselves if they really want to transmit some heaven.” - Lana Del Rey.
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