Cat Sivertsen's new exhibit at the Rustad Galleria, Aesthetics of Grief, launches at the Two Rivers Gallery July 7 with an artist's talk at 7:30 p.m.
Sivertsen said she was at first reluctant to have the word grief in the title of the exhibit.
"That word has a negative connotation for a lot of people," she said. "It is a very difficult emotion to go through and to carry around with you.
"I had the opportunity to acknowledge where I was with my grief and to work through it. So Aesthetics of Grief could also be Aesthetics of Well Being. It's not therapy but it's using art in a therapeutic sense."
Sivertsen's exhibit is a culmination of her personal journey with grief, a subject that most of us try to avoid.
In her book of life there are many chapters, and there happens to be a major chapter of grief in Sivertsen's recent history.
Cat describes her definition of grief as the end of a relationship, either on a physical or spiritual plane.
"The relationship remains part of my life experience even if it isn't physically present," Sivertsen said.
Sivertsen considers grieving a part of any life change, like the death of a loved one, a divorce, a move, a child leaving home and even the end of a job. She has experienced all of these in the last few years.
"I have been able to accept my grief and process my emotions through the use of visual methods and materials," said Siversten.
Her material-based processing can be seen in the drawings and paintings, video and sculptures that are part of the exhibit.
"The exhibit is for contemplation and reflection about a subject matter that rarely leaves the confines of one's heart and home," she said.
The Artist Talk and Reception are free to the public and the exhibit continues to be on display until July 31. For more information call 250-614-7800.
