We're continuing to showcase some of Tameside's amazing local artists as part of Open Art online. Although Astley Cheetham Art Gallery in Stalybridge is currently closed for refurbishment, we are pleased to offer artists an opportunity to showcase and discuss theirwork.

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Young artist Isabelle Stokes has submitted two very poignantpieces exploring the subject of grief. You can see more of her work on her instagram @isabelles.sketchbook

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Her first piece is representative of the grip that griefassociated with loss of a loved one has on a person. Isabelle says the heart wrappedin a ribbon, “is a metaphor for the tight feeling you get in your chest whileexperiencing death of a meaningful person and the overwhelming feeling thatengulfs you.”

“The silhouettes surrounding the heart represent the lostpeople that we create memories with that are held in our hearts, although thereason they’re not clear is as memories fade over time. Finally, the leakingthrough of the yellow is representative of acceptance, how you can still feel thelack of a person being there but hold the memories close to your heart andcherish them.”

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Isabelle’s second piece represents, “the overwhelming shiftof world in a situation where you lose a loved one.” She goes on to say, “Ihope to reach everyone who experiences the misfortune of living on without aperson who meant so much to them, but also still has the fortune of living withthe memories. To me, this piece is for my grandad, my biggest fan. The guidinghand behind my pencil, who we lost in 2023.”

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