Everyone mourns differently, the process of grieving doesn’t happen in a linear or specific order. (Psych Central, 2011)
“Mourning Routine” is an isometric drawing based on the renowned theory, 5 Stages of Grief. It shows the complex, ongoing process of when we’re experiencing trauma, and most of all, how we undergo these feelings repetitively.
The 5 stages of grief are:
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
These stages are constructed in a clocktower, indicating the fact that “Time is the only thing that heals”. The parts and details within the machinery represent different emotions and thoughts that cross our minds while facing a loss, and each respective stage is connected by a continuous “emotional rollercoaster”. There is no specific order to how things are placed, just like there is no procedure in one’s mourning process.
Viewers who have experienced grief in a similar way could have a better understanding of why they’re experiencing these emotions, and would hopefully feel validated on their healing journey.
Hi! I’m Sharon, an illustrator who also goes by the name “shushpupps” on Instagram. I discuss mental health issues and social satire from a female perspective, and I enjoy experimenting with printmaking and organic textures. Mourning Routine was an opportunity for me to explore isometric drawings on a large scale, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.