Comments on: Working Through Grief and Returning to the Studio

By: Barbara Muir

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 03:10:20 +0000

Dear Alyson,

Thank you so much for publishing this again. I’m so sorry for your loss.

We’re going to have Chardonnay and Oreo cookies in honour of your father. Hugs from Toronto.

Thank you again,

Barbara

]]>

By: ashar

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 15:07:27 +0000

I was doing an BA in fine art when I lost my son. Unless you have lost a child nobody can imagine how utterly devastating it is and completely life and character changing. I was unable to function in any way for quite some time, however I had to make a decision on whether to stop, shelve or carry on with my BA.
My son shared my love of art and was my most constructive and unbiased critique as well as my rock. I knew that if I was to survive and live the life I had been dealt I would have to keep busy. What better way to do that, than to continue my studies and become the best artist I can be.
Without my art and keeping busy in the studio and my blog I would be a complete wreck unable to function. I set myself goals and series to achieve and to move me on, and am thankful that I have art to motivate and challenge me
Incidentally Bernard my son was a Bernard however he would have been there quietly encouraging me to keep going and his loving spirit sustains me still
Thank you Barbara for this – best ashar

]]>

By: Barbara Muir

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 03:48:29 +0000

In reply to Eva Santus.

Hi Eva,
I am so sorry. I don’t know what to tell you. The only thing I can think of is trying painting with a trusted friend who understands what you’ve been through. And I would start with drawing in a sketchbook and writing about your emotions about drawing and painting too. The other possibility would be to make a time once a week, or once a month to draw or paint for an hour.
I think starting to do art makes many artists filled with dread that the work won’t turn out, or that it’s not possible to do it. But practice — just doing a bit, and then a bit more can overcome that feeling. My warmest wishes are with you, and if you do draw and paint again and start to feel better about it, please let us know how it’s going.
Barbara

]]>

By: Eva Santus

Sat, 01 Feb 2014 13:01:39 +0000

I feel that the person who died was me following a sar accident which left me suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). I was not hurt physically but the artist in me was all but wiped out. It happened nearly 20 years ago but although my abilities are still there I rarely paint or produce art works despite having the nack of painting portraits that look alive (more alive than I feel). Painting or even drawing fills me with dread. Please any help or suggestions will be much appreciated.

]]>

By: Bernard

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 11:33:17 +0000

In reply to Marilyn.

Dear Marilyn,
Thank you for visiting my site.
But, please do not feel saddened by my anger. It helps keep me balanced. The world is filled with difficulties, horrors and difficulties. And yet there are also happy times, blessed moments and wondrous occurrences. Nothing is blandly the same all of the time. I therefore try to take full advantage of all of the Creator’s gifts of emotion, all the while trying hard to keep anger as righteous as I can (vs self-righteous).
As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said : We should be able to hold 2 opposing thoughts in our mind – feel hopeless, yet feel positive that we can do something about that hopelessness. To this I add : as long as we don’t sit back “hoping” all will be well if we just ignore it.
Being the son of a great woman – who survived more than anyone of us could ever fathom (and still move on), the husband of another wondrous lady who does and did the same, the father of 2 incredible daughters who’s individual strengths never cease to amaze (and that : despite. . . ) and 2 grand-daughters who have decided that the world is theirs to mould. . .
What can I say? My anger is born of a staunch feminism which is more intense in me than than in any of the women in my life. It’s the family joke. The feminist mailings in the post box are always passed on to me – whether the envelopes have my name on them or not! 🙂
The smiling curmudgeon

]]>

By: Barbara Muir

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 05:38:42 +0000

Hi Marilyn,
Thank you so much. You must know that your work has inspired me for years. I am glad I’ve shared information with you that you enjoy!
I couldn’t me more grateful to you for your wonderful art.
Barbara

]]>

By: Marilyn

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 03:30:31 +0000

Barbara, you never cease to amaze. Thank you for your insightful and generous post. For years your blog has been my inspiration porthole, through which I learned of Alyson’s fab Art Biz Blog, TED talks, Neil Gaiman, etc.
I am so grateful, thank you.
Marilyn

]]>

By: Marilyn

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 02:38:49 +0000

In reply to Bernard.

I’m sorry to hear that you’re angry, Bernard, but I found Barbara’s post generous and empowering. We all process grief differently. She’s present with her feelings, dealing by making good art and boldly sharing those experiences with us. I’m not that brave with my grief, but I do keep creating and moving forward.
Speaking of good art, I took a look at your site and especially enjoyed your waterscapes.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

]]>

By: Barbara Muir

Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:52:30 +0000

Hi Auralee,
Thank you. Glad you liked it and the Neil Gaiman clip. I love that too. I am also entirely grateful when happy accidents occur, and delighted that this post could be a salve to you. Your comment has made me feel a lot lighter in this part of the world.
Barbara

]]>

By: Auralee

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 03:30:02 +0000

Hi Barbara,
Thank you for this blog posting. I loved the Neil Gaiman clip, and it came at a fortuitous time in my own artistic journey. It is funny how sometimes the perfect salve lands in your lap right when you need it. I’m not one who is comfortable waxing poetic about fate or assigning divine cause to what is likely coincidence, but I am certainly grateful when happy accidents occur – and I have you to thank for it!
Auralee

]]>