The Intersection of Grief and Gratitude

As a form of storytelling, I create wearable art and personal objects with mixed media, jewelry, and metalsmithing techniques. Using precious and semi-precious metals and stones, these physical objects are infused with the spirit of the intangible and give life to the inexpressible. In 2016, my mom was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma. The news came as a big shock to my family and me as we tried to navigate the situation together. Grieving is typically associated with significant loss, specifically the death of a loved one. But for me, the grieving process started as soon as I heard the word ‘cancer’ and understood the resulting prognosis.

This body of work explores four themes within my process of grieving: memory and contemplation, faith and doubt, the individual and the community, and grief and gratitude. Many parts of this journey are difficult to express and even more difficult to talk about. Humans have struggled to find meaning, purpose, and closure within the context of loss, and I am no different. Grief is universally and individually experienced—an anchor that pulls us together. When grief is shared, it has the potential to bring new meaning to others and enhance our understanding of the human experience. It has impacted and connected me with other people that struggle with similar challenges.

My work is displayed in a home environment. It is important for me to create a space that encourages personal connection, provides a shared human experience, and illustrates complex emotion. This installation simulates my home and is an extension of myself as I welcome viewers into my life. All these elements come together in an interwoven series to convey a meaningful story—one that promotes personal reflection, human connection, and culminates at the intersection of grief and gratitude.

If you would like to read the full thesis, click here.

Exhibition photos by Matty Palamara