Grief for me has been a complex salad bowl of emotions. Love, sadness, pain, and loneliness. It’s a constant companion, lying dormant until triggered, flooding memories that leave me both trembling and mesmerized. Through this project, I dared to confront my grief and found comfort in shared memories. In the company of those who’ve felt loss, I discovered a lighter heart. Within the pages of this book are 10 conversations that spanned over Zoom calls, texts, and Instagram about objects connecting people to their departed loved ones. These exchanges breathe life into memories and emotions, bridging past and present. In this new-found sense of connection with others, I find a glimmer of hope that one day, we will be able to speak of our loved ones and our grief with more ease and comfort. One question, in particular, revealed the depth of each soul’s remembrance—a question that brought forth a vivid spectrum of emotions. What colour did they visualize when they thought of or remembered their special loved one? And why did that particular color resonate so profoundly within their hearts?
Each colour held a unique story that painted a picture of their collective memories. The conversations are untamed like memories and fragments of sunlight. The text has been edited slightly to accommodate the style of story-telling, bearing in mind the authenticity of these exchanges to ensure the essence of each heartfelt conversation remains untouched.
The illustrations were shared with the participants, adding depth and richness to the intimate narratives. As this series continues, I remain dedicated to preserving the essence of these conversations, cherishing the invaluable connections forged between the living and the departed.
This anthology explores the profound role objects play in honoring and preserving the memories of departed loved ones. Through a diverse collection of narratives, it delves into the emotional resonance, nostalgia, and the power of sharing that everyday items possess when they become touchstones for commemorating cherished loved ones.