Grief and creating

Grief. It came over me like a flood last week I found out my favorite children’s book author passed away.

As I processed my grief, I found I was comforted knowing Tomie dePaola was puttering around his New Hampshire studio, painting. Like some artistic godfather, knowing he was out there, creating, gave me strength. Now there’s an absence. Where his colors and lettering spoke, there’s silence.

Isn’t it like that? The ones who are left feel alone in the emptiness — the space formerly filled by their loved ones.

My dear friend texted when she heard this news, and asked me to paint a Tomie inspired card. This idea was such a relief to me! I could connect with him and honor his memory.

Her thoughtfulness touched me deeply, and this is the image before you. A dove, because that was one of his icons- a symbol found in many of his books. Navy, cerulean, turquoise for the waves and stages of grief. And coral for the sunrise— believing that though weeping may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.

I’m thankful for Tomie and how his watercolor stories were incredibly formative in my artistic journey. I’m thankful for my friend who entered into my grieving space. I’m thankful for creating, a hopeful outlet in this time where layers of grief pile on and on.

How do your process grief? What helps you? What’s hard for you? I’d love to hear because hearing stories and rituals help us to live and grieve well.