ThisHealingHeart

I created this canvas on the third Valentine’s Day after my husband’s death. I called it Empty Heart, though I hoped to imply that the emptiness might someday be filled again. Over time, I have learned that this hope is not just about finding another partner but about discovering who I am without one. I used beautiful hand-silk-screened Japanese Chiyogami paper to define the space surrounding the blank heart shape, cutting another flower shape from a different Chiyogami paper that…

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Where I live, it’s cold, windy, and grey. The days are short, and I prioritize seeking light and warmth.Bare tree branches, delicately etched against the winter sky, present a stark beauty that mirrors the experience of grief. When the forest branches are bare, they reveal vistas that often go unnoticed when covered in foliage. Similarly, allowing ourselves to be open to grief can bring to light previously unseen aspects of ourselves as we heal. Recognizing my growth, despite the loss…

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I composed my artist’s prayer several years ago while struggling to balance my career with my passion for art. This has always been a challenge for me. Looking back, it reminds me of my struggle to balance life with grief. I seek light, insight, and peace while accompanied by the sorrow of missing my husband and partner. I studied the body’s chakra system or energy centers when I created this piece. The seven colors of the rainbow represent the main…

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This miniature canvas emerged from my quest for my unique true north. During this journey, I discovered I can honor and care for myself without needing permission or relying on anyone else. Initially, I viewed self-care as well, just plain selfish, but I began to realize it was essential for healing from loss. Instead of associating self-care with being self-absorbed, I eventually understood that I could better connect with and reach out to others by taking care of my own…

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