Expressing emotion using color and form

I undertook this thesis to find a better way to express my own emotions and tell my story after the death of my older brother. The point of the work was to find new ways of expressing emotions when words did not suffice. Although the main focus is about me and my story, I hope that others will connect with it because the topics of loss and death are universal and inevitable.

Using color and form, my work visually depicts my emotion. The book Understanding Color: An Introduction for Designers, by Linda Holtzschue, says colors permeate the environment, are an attribute of objects, and communicate without words. My research primarily as a body of everyday design and expression, proves that art and design can serve as a coping mechanism for grief. The article, The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health, by Heather L. Stuckey and Jeremy Nobel, argue, engagement with artistic activities, either as an observer of the creative efforts of others or as an initiator of one’s own creative efforts, can enhance moods, emotions, and other psychological states, as well as have a salient impact on important physiological parameters.

Reflection, interviews, and workshops were all critical pieces in crafting this thesis. They helped me to see that everyone deals with grief differently, and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Various materials, such as wood, sand, fire, snow, paint and canvas’ were used throughout my studies and all lead to my final emotion artifacts on canvas. Using color and form to express my emotions was a key tool in my journey of grief.