Processing Grief Through Art: Chanelle Jefferson on The Grief Project

"I think all of our healing starts in learning to find spaces that we can safely speak about our stories."

In this episode of Grief'd Up, host Rebecca Feinglos welcomes Chanelle Jefferson, a contemporary artist, who's revolutionizing how we process grief through her stunning visual art. Chanelle shares her journey from childhood trauma to creating The Grief Project: an initiative that channels people's grief stories into beautiful paintings using blind contour methods and chalk on canvas.

Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, witnessing domestic abuse, Chanelle didn't recognize her own grief until later, when she arrived at university in Montreal at age 20. The Grief Project began organically when she painted in a friend's garden after that friend's sister died. The sister had lovingly tended that land, and Chanelle felt compelled to capture it on canvas. 

Chanelle decided to do more with this idea last year, and decided to invite people to share grief stories with her so she could paint them. When she opened submissions expecting just a few stories, 150 people responded— all seeking a new way to honor their grief.

Throughout the conversation, Chanelle emphasizes that all forms of grief deserve space. She shares how people often apologize for their stories, feeling they're "not important enough" compared to others who've experienced death. The episode includes a beautiful moment where Rebecca and Chanelle practice blind contour drawing together, the meditation technique Chanelle uses for all her paintings, where you draw without looking at the paper as a way to truly see someone.

Join Rebecca and Chanelle as they discuss building intuition, the power of being seen and heard in grief, and how vulnerability itself can be transformative. Plus, hear about Maggie, the dog Chanelle found on Kijiji, who saved her life by getting her outside and teaching her to rest.

Special Opportunity for the Grief'd Up Community:

Chanelle is partnering with Grief'd Up to bring The Grief Project directly to our community. If you'd like to submit your grief story for consideration, visit the submission form linked below. Chanelle and Rebecca will read every single story!

Learn more about The Grief Project collaboration: https://www.chanellejefferson.com/thegriefproject-grieveleave

Submit your grief story: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScifYM6llrRgXUozLQZ7lAnXuytOl1xY3JLEBSL2tXWOWZuuw/viewform?usp=header

Links & Resources:

• Follow Chanelle on Instagram: @chanellejefferson_
• Follow Grieve Leave on Instagram: @grieveleave
• Find Grief'd Up on TikTok and Facebook

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