In February of 2024, we released our fifth Open Call: Using art, letters, stories, and poetry, tell us: how might we create healthy spaces and places for all? The following is a art submission we received from this open call.

“Growing up, my family and community rarely discussed or acknowledged grief. I never learned how to hold or process my experiences of loss. Without these lessons, my mental health and over all wellness suffered as I found grief overwhelmed my ability to thrive and dismantled my capacity to experience of joy, hope, and enthusiasm. Through an expanded community, I learned there is value in holding and honoring one’s grief. Yet, I did not know how to do so. I created this living art piece to serve as a physical space where I could practice grieving. Designed with reclaimed and salvaged materials and supplies, the process of creating this space allowed me to transform what was once lost or discarded into an cherished altar. I brought in mementos of people, relationships, and experiences that I grieve such as a ring, rock, or pendant. I used materials that brought a sense of beauty and honoring to the space. And I sat with this altar and my grief. Lighting candles. Tending to the altar and precious objects. I cried. I held myself. Over time, I found that this cherished and beautiful space allowed me to learn how to honor and hold my grief. I grew. Eventually, I could access those parts of myself I had I disassociated from. In sharing this art piece, I share my vision of creating and gifting grief altars for others in my community, as well as shared community altar where we can collective grieve and grow together.”

souleke

“A Space to Grieve”

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