Art and Grief Reflections
By Susan Kuznitsky
Grief is an unavoidable part of life, a truth I came to understand deeply after the sudden loss of my husband in November 2017. In the immediate aftermath, grief felt overwhelming, an all-consuming presence that seemed impossible to move beyond. Over time, however, I have come to recognize that while grief remains with us, life continues to move forward. This shift in understanding has been a central part of my healing journey.
Throughout these years, art has been my constant companion and my path to healing. Painting has provided a means to express emotions that words often cannot fully capture. When sorrow threatened to engulf me, color became therapeutic—a way to focus my mind and absorb myself in creation, rather than remain trapped in grief. The act of painting allowed moments of peace amidst turmoil, offering light in the darkest times.
Over the eight years since my husband’s passing, my relationship with art has evolved profoundly. It has remained a steady force, but also transformed into something larger than personal solace. Through art, I have found a way to connect with others—collectors, students, and fellow artists—sharing not only works but also stories and emotions. The ongoing search for beauty in a chaotic world has become a guiding theme in my work.
The onset of the pandemic brought new challenges and, unexpectedly, new opportunities. Isolation and solitude, which might have intensified feelings of loneliness, were softened through the realm of online teaching. Zoom classes opened a wider audience and expanded my connections with other art teachers across the globe. One significant outcome was the formation of a group called PATIO (Pastel Artists Teaching Internationally Online), a supportive international network that brought light during an isolating time. These connections reminded me that even in solitude, we are not alone.
Light, especially dappled light, has emerged as a prominent theme in my artworks over time. This focus speaks to the delicate interplay of shadow and illumination, symbolizing hope, resilience, and the subtle beauty found in everyday moments. Light is a metaphor for the parts of ourselves that persist and grow, even after loss. Another theme in my work has become how to simplify a complex subject – another metaphor for understanding the chaos around me and inside me.
Teaching has been a vital thread woven through my journey of grief and creativity. Leading workshops and classes not only nurtured my own artistic growth but kept me connected to a vibrant community. Travel to inspiring locations such as Italy, Provence, Greece, and soon New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland, has enriched my artistic voice. Experiencing new environments and cultures continuously opens fresh avenues for exploration and expression.
My reflections on loss, resilience, and transformation confirm that it is not the loss itself that defines us, but how we choose to move forward using our creativity. Art has been a vessel for this forward motion, enabling me to embrace change and find joy again. Sharing my story and artwork has become an important part of my healing process, with the hope that others facing similar challenges might find encouragement and strength through the power of art.
The past year brought further personal milestones with the passing of my mother and the joy of my son’s wedding. These events reinforced the complex, ever-changing rhythms of life—joy intertwined with sorrow, endings paired with beginnings. Throughout all these changes, art remains a steadfast companion.
Looking back, the advice I would give my earlier self at the start of this grief journey is simple: believe there is life after loss. This belief has sustained me, guiding me toward growth, healing, and renewed purpose.
As I continue on this path, I envision my relationship with art and grief evolving alongside me. There remains an open space for discovery, for new themes and techniques to emerge, and for art to continue as a source of solace, connection, and expression.
Through this reflection, I hope to share not only my art but also the resilience and hope that fuel my creative journey. For all artists navigating their own hardships, I offer encouragement: grief and upheaval need not signify an end to creativity or joy. Instead, they can be part of a transformative journey toward a richer, fuller life, where healing and artistic expression walk hand in hand.
May these experiences resonate with you and inspire your own creative paths, reminding us all that even amid change and loss, there is always room to grow, teach, share, and create.