The Day My Art Journey Began
Fourteen years ago, my world shifted when my mom passed away. In those first days, I felt lost searching for something to hold onto when nothing felt solid.
One afternoon, I typed into Google: “what represents loss of a family member”. That search led me to the weeping willow—a tree long associated with mourning and remembrance.
I took out a 3” x 3” canvas, my oil paints, and created an image of a willow with a chain link—one link broken—to represent the space her absence left in my life.
Looking back now, I smile at that painting. Technically, it wasn’t “good art” by any gallery standard. But it was powerful. It was my heart speaking when words wouldn’t come. And that’s the point—in grief, meaning matters more than perfection.
Why the Weeping Willow Speaks to Grief
Throughout history, the weeping willow has been a symbol of mourning. Its drooping branches evoke the posture of sorrow, yet its deep roots and flexible limbs also represent resilience and endurance.
When I painted that first willow, I didn’t know all of its history—I just knew it felt right. Choosing a symbol that resonates with your heart can give your grief a shape, a form, a way to be seen.
The Power of Art as a Healing Tool
Art offers something words cannot—a safe space for emotions to exist exactly as they are.
When you paint, draw, or sculpt, you’re not required to explain your feelings or make them “logical.” You simply translate them into color, shape, and texture.
For me, oils have a richness that feel grounding. Watercolors, on the other hand, let emotions flow and blend—much like the way grief softens and shifts over time.
Why Imperfection is Part of the Healing
If you saw that first willow painting today, you might notice uneven brushstrokes, awkward proportions, or colors I probably wouldn’t choose now. But here’s the truth—none of that matters.
The value of grief art isn’t in perfection—it’s in connection.
Each mark on that canvas was a heartbeat, a breath, a small step toward learning to live with loss.
When you give yourself permission to create without judgment, you open a door to healing. The art becomes a mirror—not of skill level—but of your courage to feel and express.
Your Turn to Try
If you’re in grief, consider creating something today. It doesn’t have to be a willow. It doesn’t have to “look good.” Choose a symbol that speaks to you—a flower, a color, an object that reminds you of your loved one—and let it guide your brush.
You may be surprised at how much lighter you feel afterward.
Closing Reflection
That tiny 3” x 3” painting sits in my studio to this day. It’s not a masterpiece in the traditional sense—but in my heart, it’s priceless.
Because healing through art isn’t about creating something perfect. It’s about creating something honest.
Love & Light,
Terri - your Grief Gardener
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