I meant to show these photos from my trip to Bologna earlier this month. They are some of the most raw images of grief I've ever seen. What's more impressive is that they were sculpted in 1462 (by artist Nicccolo dell'Arca), before the Renaissance allowed artists to represent emotions more naturally. (See here for more details on the compianti, or sculptural representations of the death of Christ)
It's not about what happens in your life, but rather how you deal with what happens in your life that matters. I am so grateful that my son has been a part of my life -- despite all his difficulties -- because through him, I have learned some incredible lessons. I know what it is to love unconditionally, and I find myself completely unable to judge other people for any reason whatsoever. These are gifts I would never trade -- even for a healthy child.
Sometimes I feel as though my heart will burst from the love I feel for my children....
The pain and the joy mix together to make something so beautiful that I tremble with the rawness of it all, and I thank God I am alive.
...couldn't have said it better myself.
4 comments:
Hi Kathleen - what a story. I, too, have children with mental health challenges and I know it is the most wrenching painful thing on this earth, I feel so deeply for you and hope there is some sort of gold at the end of your journey. . . .
and for blog settings, lots of folks seem to be able to follow me without being blocked, so I think it might be something in your own google settings. sorry to not be able to shed more insight, these things are sometimes so hard to conquer.
all the best, Emily
p.s. not many artists list Hundertwasser as a favorite!!! you are awesome! (I love him, too.)
thanks for your post Kathleen, its definitely worth the while of loving. Having art to walk thru it helps too!
I have had this amazing week of "meeting" so many thoughtful, creative, sensitive, kind women. And I've not left home. After joining Cathy Johnson's Artist's Journal Workshop I went on a search spree for hand lettering. It led me to Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's site and then to yours. I am deeply touched by this posting and your honesty and tenderness. I know you find solace and peace in art; your work shows it.
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