Have you ever considered what sick people might be saying about their feelings through artwork? 

When one is seriously ill it can be difficult to express emotions in mere words. Frequently patients will look for an artistic outlet for their feelings. At times like these an observant pastoral care provider might notice and encourage reflection upon the meaning of these artworks. Perhaps the patient is communicating a message she hopes will be understood when she is gone and loved ones look back on her life. Activities such as knitting, quilting, painting, journaling, etc. should not be overlooked when we visit with our sick parishioners; they may carry special significance. Also, collections of art objects often have deep meaning to people and, when they are sick, may hold clues to what they are experiencing deep inside. Commenting on the beauty of these objects can sometimes lead to a very revealing conversation about the fears, hopes, doubts, faith, anger, joys, etc. that a patient is experiencing in their illness.

So, the next time you are visiting in the home or hospital room of a parishioner, observe, acknowledge and wonder about the meaning of artwork in that environment. Maybe it will simply be a painting on the wall, a crucifix or the photograph of loved ones. By drawing attention to it, you may open the way for a friend to finally discuss deep issues that have been difficult to talk about.

And consider this: Art may be a way for pastoral care providers to explore and understand our own process in ministry. Because of the highly emotional and often ambiguous nature of our involvement with sick people, art may provide an excellent outlet for our emotions and give us the opportunity to develop deeper insight. Furthermore, appropriately sharing our art can sometimes bring encouragement and understanding to our sick parishioner.

I would like to know your thoughts about this. Perhaps you have an anecdote or example of how art can be used in pastoral care. Why not drop me a note at cameron.gillett@valleybaptist.net.

Cameron Gillett
Hospice Bereavement Coordinator