I Can't Imagine

In August,2002 artist Susan Carlson's life was shattered by the sudden death of her 19-year-old son. From that moment in time all events became "Before" or "After." In intensely powerful and personal images, the art work reproduced in this book follows Susan through her journey of grief and healing. The most frequent expression of concern was "I can't imagine the pain, I can't imagine how you do it." In depictions that cut to the heart of grief, Susan opens the door for us to share her experience of loss. She pulls back the cover on the often sanitized representations of grief offered to us in literature and art and allows us to connect to the center of the intensity of loss. Those in grief often struggle for words that illuminate the depth of their experience, resulting in isolation. Through the viewing of this art, grievers and those who assist them in their path have found the affirmation, connection and solace they need. Susan shows us that together we can imagine and in doing so, heal.