Sophie Kok

Loss

Processing emotions is difficult for me. My first reaction is to suppress feelings, especially when it comes to the loss of loved ones. Talking about it triggers fear, the fear of breaking down emotionally in front of others. As a result, I keep a lot inside, but that has consequences. The pent-up emotions later surface, often in the form of an uncontrolled outburst.

Through my artistic work, I've found a different way to deal with these feelings. Art offers me a safe space where I can admit and give shape to my emotions. My work, "Loss," is about my personal grieving process. The deer symbolizes my deceased loved ones. For me, the deer represents vulnerability, innocence, and beauty—qualities I connect with those I've lost.

Creating this work forced me to confront my fear and share my story. Not only with myself, but also with others. Loss has thus become an invitation, an opening to shared experiences of grief and loss. This work has helped me to better understand my feelings and give the people and animals I miss a place in my heart.