The Garden.
Shaina Gadow.
Acrylic and mixed media.
:::
about this piece.
I have been searching for ways to "mother" my son in his physical absence and found creating a garden and tending to it is a way to nurture him and/or his memory. It is way a to feel close to him when I can't hold him in my arms. -Shaina
about the artist.
I am a 30 year old woman who lost my firstborn son on March 8, 2011. I had an easy pregnancy and was two weeks overdue when I finally was induced. I had a very long (36 hour) labor and my son was fine and healthy until the last 30 or so minutes when his heart rate started to decrease. However, it was in the last five minutes before he was born that his heart stopped and he never took a breath after being born. I am not a very crafty person, mostly because I feel too insecure, but I have found art to be healing and a cathartic way of expressing my grief. -Shaina
Shaina blogs at My Search for Hope.
Our stories have some eerie similarities, Shaina. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI always find the empty womb imagery so heartbreaking, because I can relate to it so much. In those very early months, right where you are now, all I wanted for her, if she couldn't be in my arms, was to be safe back inside.
xo
Shaina I am so sorry for your loss. What a tragedy you have experienced!
ReplyDeleteAs I looked at this image and words you created I felt uplifted, light and inspired by the beauty I interpreted from within your process of grief. I relate strongly. I planted a garden too, for my son Jesse. This is one of the ways I can mother and honor his soul.
Take care and allow time to pass.
With love,
Janice
Shaina, I just love this, but you already know that. I am so glad you submitted this piece, and I am so proud of you. You are so early out from your loss and are still fully able to help and inspire others, which is truly amazing. I am just so grateful to have met you. Please continue creating and sharing such lovely artwork. xo
ReplyDeleteShaina, I too find the empty womb easy to identify with. I hope your garden provides some moments of comfort on this bumpy road of life, x.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeletewow. just wow.
ReplyDeleteWOW! What an image!!! I especially love how you expressed the empty womb feeling. So sorry for your loss. HUGS!
ReplyDelete