When a loved one dies, disruptive and sometimes debilitating grief takes hold. There are many ways that people cope with intense grief, from meeting with a grief counselor or therapist to joining a grief-focused support group to getting regular exercise and eating healthy meals. At Krause Funeral Homes, we know how difficult it can be for our neighbors in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and New Berlin to miss a loved one dearly. A wonderful way to transmute grief after a loss is to engage in artistic activities. Art of all kinds can allow for healing experiences, no matter how hopeless and sad you may feel.
Here are some of the ways we recommend expressing grief through art:
- Enroll in a painting or pottery class.
Not everyone feels comfortable picking up a sketchbook and pencil and producing a perfect still life. Having professional instruction or being part of a group can help you feel more comfortable learning a new artistic activity. Consider enrolling in a local watercolor painting or ceramics class.
- Go to an art museum or art gallery.
Looking at professional art in the context of a museum or gallery can be an inspiring activity any time of day. Paintings, sculptures, and performance art pieces can help you connect to a variety of emotions, grief-related or not.
- Listen to live music.
It’s good to remember that grief is a journey, and you will likely feel differently day to day. Music of all kinds can help you access deep feelings of sadness and grief along with lighter emotions like hope and joy. If you can’t attend an in-person musical performance, play your favorite genre at home, whether it’s jazz, country, or the latest pop songs.
- Get creative.
The best thing about art is that there are no rules or roadmap, so feel free to get creative with the way you express your grief. An easy way to connect with your artistic side is to pursue at-home crafts. Maybe you choose to make your own candles or cultivate a plant corner in your home—the options are virtually endless.
- Try writing a poem.
Though many of us write emails and text messages all day long, a blank page can intimidate even the most creative person. A simple journal entry or handwritten letter to a faraway friend can be an act of artistic expression. You don’t have to be a poet to share your feelings via the written word.
Our compassionate staff members at Krause are here to walk with you through your grief. Contact us anytime to learn more about our grief support services and friendly grief therapy dog.