Artwork Collection

The Griever's Journey

"The Griever’s Journey" explores Jospeh Campbell's "The Hero’s Journey" from the perspective of a nine grieving heroes as they travel through the different landscapes that represent experiences of grief. Each scene tells the story of the complex relationship we have with loss and acceptance, a cycle repeating through one's lifetime.

Grief death mythology folklore myth hero hero's journey ritual

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Belly of the Beast

"Belly of the Beast" represents the concept of the same name, examining how depression from grief isn't dissimilar to being swallowed by a giant creature with no way out.

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Citadel Heart

"Citadel Heart," Campbell's "refusal of the call," examines how grief can cause us to push people away, refusing to let them into our hearts.

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Dance Macabre

"Dance Macabre" is influenced by Malagasy tradition, examining the denial of death, but also the denial of fulfilling those traditions, yearning for a few more minutes with that loved one.

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Memento

"Memento" brings together elements from all of the prior pieces in "The Griever's Journey," painting a picture of how we each carry pieces of the departed with us. As Campbell puts it, becoming a "master of two worlds."

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Return to Life

"Return to Life" looks at how the living must leave the dead behind in the underworld, lest they be consumed by their own demons. This examines Campbell's "magical flight."

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Sky Burial

"Sky Burial," named after the Tibetan burial tradition, sees a hero carry the weight of their grief up a mountain in order to let go of it at its peak.

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Supernatural Aids

"Supernatural Aids" explores Campbell's concept of the same name through a series of traditional aids, who act as the first responders to an accident.

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Temptation

"Temptation" examines Campbell's concept of "woman as temptress", looking at classical myths and how eating the fruit of the dead binds you to the underworld.

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The Dragon

"The Dragon" is influenced by Viking ship burials, the dragon boat and storm a manifestation of one's anger at death. This is a representation of Campbell's concept of "atonement."

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Transition

"Transition" represents Campbell's of "crossing the threshold," but be this the beginning or end of the grieving cycle is left to you to decide.

Work by

Mike Kelly aka. Mike Skelly

Illustrator

“"The Griever’s Journey" explores Jospeh Campbell's "The Hero’s Journey" from the perspective of a nine grieving heroes as they travel through the different landscapes that represent experiences of...” [More]