Waves Tote Bag from Conflictionary

"For me it can’t be about not feeling this. There’s no separation between love, loss, joy and sorrow, because one elicits the other. They are like waves, one comes, while the other retreats, sometimes overlapping. I didn’t know there was a name for the feeling of joy and sorrow combined."

From I Feel You, Illustrations on How I am Dealing With My Own Grief

This project started as a personal grieving exercise. When my brother died suddenly from complications related to COVID and an underlying lung condition, I was left struggling to cope. Art has always been an outlet for me, so I began creating simple illustrations to work through my feelings and express them in a tangible way. Many family members and friends stated that the illustrations helped them identify their own feelings and work through grief.

There were also a few who asked if they could share the illustrations with their loved ones who were also grieving. After some consideration, I decided to publish a little book of the illustrations. The book is called “I Feel You” and it is not an inspirational or how-to book. It is just a collection of my own struggle with grief, captured in simple and minimalist illustrations. I believe that the simplicity of the drawings makes them very accessible and gives people an opportunity to have an empathetic experience through someone else’s shared grief.

Grief is a very personal experience. Each person is impacted differently, often depending on life experiences, past trauma and access to support. Some people who are mourning a loss may not be able to identify their own needs or articulate the emotions with which they may be struggling. As an adult, I had the opportunity to receive therapy and counseling for my own childhood trauma. This experience has helped me to work through the emotional impact of my own loss through art. It is my hope this book is helpful, or at least the very least, lets you know that you’re not alone.

This practical, high-quality Tote Bag is available in three sizes. All over print provides comfort with style at the beach or out in town. Made from reliable materials, lasting for seasons.

.: 100% Polyester
.: Boxed corners
.: Black inner stitching, transparent thread on hems.
.: Black cotton handles
.: With non-woven laminate inside
.: NB! Size tolerance 0.75" (1.9 cm))
.: Assembled in the USA