In the depths of human experience, I’ve discovered that art transcends mere healing—it’s a profound force of transformation. Like a bridge across time, art creates powerful connections to loved ones we’ve lost, illuminating corners of our hearts we never knew existed. Through canvas and color, it possesses the remarkable ability to transmute sadness into joy, and despair into hope.

Along my journey of exploring art’s healing powers, I had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary artist named Laurie Everitt. Her story exemplifies this transformative magic, weaving together creativity, healing, and human connection in ways that continue to inspire. Let me share her remarkable journey with you.

Laurie Everitt Shares Her Artistic Journey

Art has been my constant companion since childhood, when I first grasped a pencil in my small hands. In those early years, drawing and painting became both my joy and sanctuary, offering solace from the turbulence of a dysfunctional family life.

My formal journey began at the Massachusetts College of Art, where I immersed myself in painting and printmaking, with a particular focus on portraiture. After graduation, my artistic path led me into more abstract territories—exploring the mysteries of the universe through oil painting and mixed media, letting my curiosity guide my creative expression.

Life took an devastating turn in 2010 when my husband passed away after a two-year battle with ALS. The unimaginable followed when, just eighteen months later, my twin died suddenly. The depth of my grief was overwhelming, leaving me barely able to function. It wasn’t until 2018 that a simple gift from my son and daughter-in-law—a set of water-based paint and ink markers—sparked an unexpected path to healing. At the time, I found solace in Sudoku puzzles, often embellishing the numbers as I solved them. This seemingly small habit became the catalyst for my artistic rebirth.

From this emerged a deeply personal body of work on paper—pieces based on Sudoku-like grids where stylized numbers became a visual language for expressing my soul’s connection to my lost twin. The series evolved into oil paintings featuring numbers in landscapes, with pairs of the number two appearing throughout, symbolizing the sacred bond of twinship that continues even beyond loss.

A friend once observed that I find hope in the world’s beauty, an insight that rings profoundly true. Some of my most treasured memories are of visiting art museums and galleries with my twin, moments where our souls were enriched by shared appreciation of beauty. Through my art, I seek to reveal the beauty that exists in every corner of our world, hoping to inspire others to see life through this same lens of wonder and possibility.

The UnSudoku Lost Twin Collection

Laurie Everitt’s art collection, known as the ‘UnSudoku Lost Twin,’ serves as an intimate reflection of her profound relationship with her twin sister, who passed away. Each piece in this collection is imbued with deep emotional significance, symbolizing not only the bond they shared but also the heartache that accompanies loss. The title itself suggests a puzzle that is incomplete, mirroring the sense of incompleteness that often follows the death of a loved one. By invoking the imagery of a Sudoku puzzle, Laurie emphasizes the complexity of navigating emotions tied to grief, memory, and connection.

The creative process behind the ‘UnSudoku Lost Twin’ collection is deeply personal. Moreover, the collection collectively narrates a story of resilience and healing. As viewers engage with each piece, they encounter themes of loss that resonate universally, cultivating a bridge of empathy and understanding. Laurie’s art invites contemplation and connection, allowing individuals to explore their own experiences with grief. Each artwork serves as a vessel for her emotional expression, empowering viewers to relate to her journey in ways that are both personal and reflective of broader human experiences. Through ‘UnSudoku Lost Twin,’ Laurie Everitt transforms her grief into art, celebrating the enduring bond with her sister while fostering healing through shared understanding.

Unsudoku, Lost Twin Number Six

The Power of Art in Coping with Loss

Art has long been recognized as a powerful avenue for emotional expression, particularly in times of grief and loss. The act of creating or experiencing art not only provides an outlet for pain but also helps individuals process their emotions in a constructive manner. In Laurie Everitt’s journey, art became a therapeutic refuge where she could navigate the complexities of her own sorrow, transforming her grief into tangible expressions that resonate with both her and the viewer. Through painting and other artistic endeavors, Laurie discovered that creativity could serve as a vital tool for healing.

Laurie can be reached at:   lbneveritt@gmail.com