Image Credit: Tim Arterbury

By Katlyn Eriksen

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SOUND OFF: More people turn to art to help with the grieving process

Jan 14, 2021 | 2:36 PM

We live in an increasingly fast-paced world where tragedy and personal loss can strike at any time. This leaves many individuals desperately in need of coping mechanisms. Although the pain associated with loss can feel unbearable, there are a number of things that can make it easier to deal with grief. While medication and traditional therapy may provide some solace, engaging in various art activities can also help you deal with your anguish, and this is something currently being explored by an increasing number of people.

Find comfort in drawing

Putting your emotions to paper has been found to be a great way to deal with grief. Although there is no rulebook that stipulates what you need to draw in order to rid yourself of pent-up emotions, there are a few subjects that tend to allow for greater ease of expression. As the eyes are considered to the windows to the soul, drawing eyes can be very therapeutic — there is so much emotion you can capture in them. It does not even matter if you are skilled at drawing or not; as long as you are able to put your pain to paper, you will benefit from the activity. Random scribbles that depict your hurt, anger and frustration are every bit as effective as a beautiful drawing into which you have poured every bit of grief you are experiencing.

Sculpting is ideal for expressing emotions

When you are engrossed in art, your mind naturally becomes calmer and the emotional turmoil associated with grief decreases. Sculpting is particularly effective as an emotional release mechanism and can make the grieving process considerably easier to endure. While it may be difficult to express your feelings verbally or even on paper, moulding clay or plaster according to how you feel is often a lot easier. The purpose of sculpting as an emotional outlet is not to create an artistic masterpiece, but rather to take your mind off your troubles for a period of time, making it easier to deal with in the long-run.

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Painting may be a saving grace

If you don’t find drawing or sculpting particularly comforting, you can always experiment with another art form: painting. Painting can help you cope with grief by providing a physical outlet for your emotions. When you are experimenting with different types of paints, canvases and techniques, you will also gain a better understanding of your own feelings and emotions. As painting is more suitable for abstract expression than drawing is, it may be better suited to someone who is finding it difficult to go through the natural steps of the grieving process. There are various painting techniques worth experimenting with, including oil, acrylic and watercolours. Even finger painting can help ease tension and make it easier to focus on what is important without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Although not a quick fix, art can help make the grieving process a lot less tormenting, and current times are seeing more people explore it as a therapy. You may even find that you benefit so much from engaging in art that you take it up as a long-term hobby.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.