An impromptu letter about art and grief during holidays
This was not planned. It was merely felt. In an instant at a moment and place. Isn’t that the purpose of art? The externalization of the emotional existence on this beautiful planet.
Hi dear,
This letter is not part of my book launch.
It’s not part of anything really more than everything all at ones.
All it is, is a spontaneous out-pour of words and emotions that only come when you don’t ask for them.
Feelings of grief in the midst of joy.
Feelings of sadness in the midst of happiness.
Feelings of regret in the midst of fulfilment.
There’s no logic, like for all things that matter most.
There are only feelings.
A fraction of a moment in time and space that will never be identical again, yet we know that the feelings will return when we least desire.
Let them come. The feelings. Let them flood you.
The bigger the wave, the bigger the release. Until next time that is.
***
Thank you for giving me your time today,
I wish you a beautiful continuation of the day, and don’t forget; All the feelings are welcome (especially the ones that aren’t expected).
Elin, xx
Ps. Whenever I feel in an emotional turmoil, as is a semi-regular reality in this creative life, I tend to myself (or mother myself as
would say) through art.This letter was the written externalization. I also made a quick 8 min sketch of my view from the kitchen table this morning;
Some other sketches from the past month that I never shared in the actual publication (only over on notes):
For further reading you may like:
To learn more about me:
I remember when a neighbor's 8 year old had cancer, and was on hospice. I was pregnant with my first child and I was so excited and happy. But then I'd see their house every day, and I felt guilty for feeling so happy knowing what they were going through. I also felt deep sadness for them and for the looming death to their young son, so then I even felt guilt over being mad that this was happening during a time of life that should have been my happiest. It's quite a stew, isn't it?
These images are delightful. They seem so much like the starting point for a book for children (just in case that's an idea that needs seeding just now..l).
The sketches make me think a little of the much-beloved American children's book writer Robert McCloskey, especially “Blueberries for Sal”. He also did the absolutely iconic “Make Way for Ducklings.” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blueberries_for_Sal