Looking Into The Eye of Grief: An Illustrative View of the Essence of Grief

Every individual will suffer the loss of a loved one. Although there is universality in loss, every person will feel loss in a unique way, as the bereaved's personality, culture, and relationship to the loved one; the circumstances of the death, and even how the bereaved views the concept of death will affect the trajectory of the grief journey. The devastating loss of a loved one will shake the life foundations of those left behind as they are forced to reevaluate their assumptions of the world, their identities, and the meaning and purpose of their lives. Marlene A. Enderlein explores how expressive art can relieve negative emotions as individuals navigate the chaos and despair that follow the death of a loved one. Expressing feelings through art, rather than through words, aids in the healing process and can not only relieve stress but also serve as a means to gain access to the unconscious mind and, ultimately, offer insight into the bereaved's emotions. In this book, the author presents twenty-three illustrations made by bereaved individuals, each accompanied by an analysis and discussion. These expressive artworks demonstrate the uniqueness of grief and that by looking into the eye of grief, one may discover a new pathway to healing.