Rushing water, Narragansett Beach. Photo by the author.
As a current thesis-year grad student, I’ve been struggling to keep up high spirits and the motivation to make work right now. My thesis is about creating community and dialogue around potentially isolating experiences of grief—and about the grief-healing qualities of water—and the work does feel relevant to this particular moment in time. I’m trying to find solace in that and in the importance of continuing to make beautiful things even when times are dark. I recently interviewed a good friend of mine, the artist Sheila Novak, for this project, and she sang a song for me that I want to share with you. She said that it’s something she sings to herself frequently because it “acknowledges being in a low place and also asks us how we give to the world,” a task that is certainly challenging in times of grief but can also be a way to help maintain hope. I hope it brings you some comfort and perhaps a reason to keep making art.
Every time I feel this way This old familiar sinking I will lay my troubles down by the water Where the river will never run dry
I’m gonna let myself be lifted I’m gonna let myself be lifted I’m gonna let myself be lifted By and by I will lay my troubles down by the water Where the river will never run dry
It’s been said and I do believe As you ask So shall you receive So take from me these troubles Bring me sweet release Where the river will never run dry
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah By and by
I will lay my troubles down by the water Where the river will never run dry
There is a river in this heart of hearts With a knowingness Of my highest good I am willing I will do my part Where the river will never run dry
This river will never run dry
Every time I feel this way This old familiar sinking I will lay my troubles down by the water Where the river will never run dry
I’m gonna let myself be lifted I’m gonna let myself be lifted I’m gonna let myself be lifted By and by I will lay my troubles down by the water Where the river will never run dry
It’s been said and I do believe As you ask So shall you receive So take from me these troubles Bring me sweet release Where the river will never run dry
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah By and by I will lay my troubles down by the water Where the river will never run dry
There is a river in this heart of hearts With a knowingness Of my highest good I am willing I will do my part Where the river will never run dry
Rushing water, Narragansett Beach. Photo by the author.