loss & legacy
nomination information & application
“Her absence is like the sky, spread over everything”
**UPDATE- Submissions closed: I am humbled & blessed by the 150+ applicants I have received for this project so far. Thank you for sharing your heartbreaking stories of loss with me. As much as I would love to, I am unable to create portraits for everyone. I have chosen 6 applicants to work with over the next few months and will re-evaluate at that point. In the meantime, if you have experienced the loss of a loved one and feel like a portrait would still be something that you are wanting in your grief process, I have created the option for a ‘loss & legacy complimentary character’ in the Original & Mini Custom Portrait options. These are for orders that are 2+ people. If you have any questions- feel free to contact me.
Over the years, I have been invited to create many portraits honouring the loss of someone they held dear.
Some have been stillbirths, infant loss, child loss, sibling loss, spousal loss, parent loss, grandparent loss or the loss of a friend.
Sometimes they’ve been a recent loss, other times they have carried the ache for some time.
Sometimes they’ve had specific reference photos we have recreated, other times we have pieced together past and present photos.
Sometimes the portrait have been only the one that has passed, other times they have included those who love them.
Sometimes they have included specific clothing or special objects, other times they’ve included nature elements or landscapes.
Loss and grief can be difficult and complicated seasons of life. There is no formula or roadmap to navigate through it. My clients have expressed that it has been deeply therapeutic and a helpful piece of their healing process to memorialize their loss visually through illustration.
A custom portrait can be a financial investment. I’ve had clients book their own spot and other times family or friends have come together to invest in a portrait on behalf of someone they care for. I would like to give the opportunity for individuals, families and friends to apply for a complimentary portrait when the option to purchase isn’t possible. Though a portrait cannot cure the pain of the loss, my hope is that it would be a small gesture to mark the season of grief and honour the legacy of a precious life.
Though I’ve been thinking about this for a while, I’m not 100% sure how this will work or how many pieces I will be able to take on. The idea is that you would be able to nominate your story (or the story of someone you love) by filling out a brief questionnaire below. If selected, we can discuss the details and I will let you know the turnaround time to expect.
Due to shipping prices, international applicants may be required to pay for shipping charges.
**In an effort to be respectful and sensitive with others, I request that you would be confident a portrait would be helpful and not hurtful if applying on behalf of someone you love.
Thank you so much for your interest in this effort and I look forward to reading your application!!!
Kody