On my uncle’s birthday, we came together as a family to honor his memory with a heartfelt balloon release. Surrounded by his kids, my cousins, we let the balloons soar into the sky as a symbol of love, remembrance, and connection to his spirit. This moment was not just about saying goodbye, but celebrating his life and the bond we continue to share with him, even in his absence.
A Spirit Remembered
The Wreath of Sunflowers and Canaries
This piece is inspired by the symbolism of sunflowers and canaries, which represent the presence of a deceased loved one. Drawing from my uncle's favorite colors, black and yellow, the wreath is adorned with these elements, weaving together beauty and remembrance. Canaries and sunflowers are central to the piece, representing my belief that my uncle's spirit watches over me. This wreath is both a visual and emotional starting point, offering comfort in his memory.
The Hill of Sunflowers and Butterflies
The second piece features a hill of vibrant sunflowers enriched with embellishments of smaller flowers and the colors black and yellow. Butterflies dance among the flowers, embodying the spiritual belief that the spirits of loved ones remain present, even after death. For me, butterflies symbolize transformation and a continuing connection with those I have lost. This piece captures the idea of his spirit flowing freely, comforting me as I navigate the weight of his absence.
The Gravesite Memorial
The final piece depicts a wooden statue of myself visiting my uncle's symbolic gravesite. Though my uncle was cremated and lacks a physical resting place, I created this miniature memorial to give myself a tangible space for reflection and connection. This piece features flowers in his favorite colors, representing the offerings I bring to honor his memory. Here, I imagine speaking to him and finding solace amidst the ongoing grief.
Reflections on the Process:
Creating this project was an emotional rollercoaster that required me to confront my grief in ways I had avoided. Losing my uncle was devastating, but it was especially challenging to balance the weight of that loss with the demands of school and home responsibilities. The creative process became an outlet for my grief—each piece felt like a conversation with him, a way to preserve his memory and remind myself of the love we shared.
At first, working on these pieces felt overwhelming. I was forced to sit with the pain of his absence, and there were moments where I wanted to stop altogether. But as the project progressed, I began to feel a sense of peace. Designing the wreath, crafting the hill of sunflowers, and building the gravesite memorial became acts of healing. They allowed me to pour my emotions into something tangible, transforming my sorrow into beauty and love.
This project also deepened my belief in the symbols that bring me comfort: the sunflower's resilience, the canary's cheerful presence, and the butterfly's transformative energy. These symbols now feel like reminders of his spirit, reassuring me that he is always near, even in death. The act of building a memorial site gave me a sense of closure I didn’t think was possible without a physical gravesite to visit. It created a sacred space where I can speak to him, share my thoughts, and feel connected to his memory whenever I need to.
Ultimately, this project became more than just an assignment—it was a way to honor my uncle, process my grief, and find moments of peace in the midst of heartache. It’s a testament to the enduring bond we share, one that transcends life and death. Through this work, I feel like I’ve stitched together pieces of my broken heart, even as I continue to carry the weight of his loss.