A symphony of symbols from the whispers of life. Transforming Grief into Art, Love, & Self-Discovery

Blog by Zara Kolasinska

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In the quiet corners of the heart, where pain often resides, a transformative journey unfolds—a journey that begins with grief but blossoms into self-discovery, love, and profound healing. This narrative is not just mine; it's an exploration of the human spirit navigating the depths of loss, symbolised by the stillbirth of my daughter, Ginger. Through the intertwined realms of art and Jungian psychology, I have unearthed the understanding of my own life embracing both the light and shadow within.

Recently the 9th anniversary of my daughter passing away approached. With all its usual stresses and heart-sinking emotions, I began reflecting on all that she's evoked and brought forward for me instead of the heavy burden of the mind's expectations of how I should be grieving.

I began reflecting on a painting I started a few years ago, which is heavily embodied with the expression of my journey with Ginger. It's the beginning of a true life story of devastating loss, an existential loss to my soul in fact. It's a reflection of life's brutality, and yet still hope lingers with symbols of love, hope and creativity mirrored back through the magnificent flamingo. The painting sends me back to those very memories when holding my daughter, and never wanting to let her go, knowing at some point I had to physically release that embrace. The reality that my days of holding her were numbered, wrecked my body with an abyss of darkness. Defacing the God-given right to mother your child. It's the cruellest of fates.

The Silent Storm Within

Grief, a silent storm that rages within, became the catalyst for an unexpected odyssey—one that led me to the realms of art and Jungian psychology. The loss of my daughter, Ginger, propelled me into a journey of self-discovery, a path guided by the whispers of love from the unseen.

Painting the Unspoken Stories, dreams, love, and the brutality of life and death converged in the painting, a visual narrative of my journey. While the canvas remains unfinished, it echoes the ongoing process of transformation—a journey where progress is measured not by completion but by continual exploration and introspection.

The Daughter as a Mirror

In delving into Jungian psychology, I discovered that daughters are mirrors, reflecting the hidden aspects of the unconscious. Ginger, in her fleeting presence, became the symbolic representation of the anima—an untarnished reflection of my inner world. Her essence embodies the potential for creativity, spontaneity, and emotional authenticity.

Symbolism of Birth, Death, Rebirth, and Change

Within the brush strokes, the painting weaves a tale of birth, death, rebirth, and change. The flamingo, a striking presence, holds a dual symbolism. It represents Ginger, offering creation and individuation, and echoes the mythopoetic theme of transformation—a dance between life and death, mirrored in the vibrant hues of the flamingo's plumage.

The Mythopoetic Heartbeat

This journey is not just personal; it resonates with the mythopoetic heartbeat of life. Symbols, like the daughter, hold profound meaning, acting as mirrors that encourage us to explore the depths of our psyche. Through the grief of losing a daughter, I embarked on a journey that invited me to confront both the shadows and light within myself.

Communication Through Art and Love

As the painting remains a work in progress, so does the ongoing narrative of my life. The symbolism woven into its fabric serves as a guide, a map of the uncharted territories of the soul. Moving forward, I intend to communicate the profound insights gained through art and psychology. Ginger, forever in my heart, and the flamingo, a messenger of transformation, will continue to guide the way.

Conclusion: A Symphony of Symbols

In the symphony of symbols, daughters mirror back the intricate dance of our own existence. The loss becomes an opportunity for exploration and healing, an invitation to embrace the hidden aspects of our lives. Ginger, the flamingo, and the evolving canvas stand as testaments to the resilience of the human spirit—a spirit that transforms grief into art, love, and the ongoing journey of self-discovery. In every stroke, in every colour, lies the whisper of the unseen, inviting us to listen, to reflect, and to honour the beauty found within the depths of our mythopoetic souls.

With love,

Zara x

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