The Art of Grieving (2022) User Reviews

Loved it!!!

[hempty · 10/10 · 22 June 2022]

Absolutely amazing!! Really opened my eyes to how all of us deal with grief and ways to express those feelings we tend to hide. I loved the educational parts as well, it really goes to show people have dealt with grief through art since wayyyy back in the day! I really like that someone we hold so dear to us can be praised in such creative ways after their passing. All around a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend to anyone because we all have a love one pass sooner or later, and this gives you a glimpse of how people deal with such strong feelings when everything may seem hopeless.

A Therapeutic Journey

[jena-04164 · 10/10 · 13 July 2022]

This film adresses grief in a personal, therapeutic and historical sense. I am a mother who lost her child and I found it informative and moving. Grief is not easy to talk about for most people. Preston sharing his grief journey made me feel inspired to create, to have something tangible that holds my memories.

Riveting and Inspirational

[sidneymil · 10/10 · 9 August 2023]

I was given a card with this documentary on it after telling my story about losing my mother to Covid. I did not think something would resonate with me after the horrific experience I had in December of 2020. Not being able to be with my Mom during her passing is something I can not put to words, but after watching this film, I can start my journey. Being able to walk through Prestons' story and have his grief turn into something as tangible as art, helped me understand that I am not alone. I highly recommend this documentary to anyone that is trying to make sense of their own grief. Impactful.

Moving Film that Encourages Personal Introspection

[alexkotler · 10/10 · 4 October 2023]

I was incredibly moved during my viewing of "The Art of Grieving" by Preston Zeller.

As someone, like everyone, who has experienced loss, I found myself looking inward to appreciate how I've come to terms with death-or tried to-and how I've grappled with and channeled grief.

Art is one medium; but, beyond the medium itself is the scale of the challenge that Zeller takes on, and the discipline and diligence that he applies to his process.

One gets the sense that, if Zeller completes his challenge, he also can overcome grief. That, though, is not the way that grief works, and everyone must ultimately go on their own journey.

Regardless, I found meaning in the film and Zeller's story, and I imagine that all will find something to take away from it.

Incredibly Inspiring

[DenisseAlondra · 10/10 · 15 September 2022]

"The Art of Grieving" by Preston Zeller is incredibly inspiring on the emotional healing benefits of art. Zeller shared his journey of grieving and he also shared some of the research on how art has been connected with processing grief. I felt the final result of his artwork also paid a beautiful tribute to his brother. I'm healing my inner child and this documentary inspired me to continue healing with art. I was also able to learn why creating art has helped me. Art releases emotions in ways that words can't explain! I highly recommend this to anyone experiencing grief or healing trauma. Blessings to everyone on their healing journey!

What a beautiful tribute of love

[luv_life-42044 · 10/10 · 17 November 2022]

I absolutely loved watching this show. What a beautiful way to honor your love for your brother. This is a must watch for anyone that has lost a loved one. Thank you so much for sharing this with the world. The time and effort you put into this is amazing. The finished work was just incredible. I have a beautiful portrait of my son his friend made for me after his passing last month.it's a beautiful priceless gift that I will treasure forever. I never thought of myself as very artistic. But I think I will try to make something myself also. To try to honor my son in some way. I know it will never be as big and beautiful as yours though.

Moving and Inspirational

[danxshepherd · 10/10 · 24 August 2022]

An interesting look at how an artist creates a painting every day for a year to overcome grief. It also looks at how similar events have been depicted by many artists over the course of history. Anyone who has had a similar experience will understand and appreciated this film.

Vitally important film about the importance of releasing grief!

[tara-19777 · 10/10 · 6 October 2022]

I truly enjoyed this movie and how it shares Preston's process of navigating the extreme grief he experienced after his brother died. It was quite a dedicated path he was on to create a painting once a day for a year to commemorate his brother's death. We would be much more balanced as a culture if we practiced the necessary steps to grieving our beloveds in a healthy manner.

This film perfectly illustrates how culturally how we are taught to suppress grief and the why behind this belief system. I enjoyed how he talked about different cultures, like the Egyptians and how they perceived and celebrated death. I highly recommend this incredible film, It is a brilliant piece of art!

Thank God for the people who paint there stories

[camashighschool-40547 · 10/10 · 30 August 2023]

Thank you preston for shareing your life experiences with the world and how gave me hope that the feelings i have are only temporary and thew art i can explain why and how i feel the way i do about grief and that you don't have to stay in that sad lonely place you can move on and you will move on i believe thew art you can tell your life story .I truly believe that no matter what paints or utensils you use it all tells a story someone can relate to ,i know from a personal perspective that it helped me thew my grandmothers death and it helped me to realize that i only feel this way temporary life goes on .

Learning a new world after my loss

[bearlyangl · 10/10 · 10 December 2023]

On March 29, 2022, I lost my husband of 24 years. Riding the waves of grief... crashing over and over... I searched for life rafts along the way. I came upon this documentary and what a life saver! I am a fairly new painter, although my profession is a graphic designer, I am fairly new to the painting world. Combining my love of painting with my healing journey has resulted in some of my most-loved pieces. Thank you for showing me an outlet that works FOR me! Your story is inspiring and healing. I continue to encourage other creatives like me who are grieving to watch this documentary. Thank you for helping me carry on in this crazy world. ~Gina.

A very healthy and clever way to express grieving in a wholesome wayx

[bdvnhgfk · 10/10 · 8 November 2022]

I have to admit having been and worked with many many grieving people this film really touched me. I love the clever way it shows us how to live with grieving in such a beautiful way. Using art to release ones daily inner pain and loss openly in this way is brilliant. You will never not miss a loved one but expressing that inner loss can be difficult and every single one of us is unique , as was each of the 365 works of art created that we were privileged to see. Thank you for creating this film and allowing us to share its journey. I have no doubt that this idea will help many others. You all did good x.

Grief & expression

[earl-78881 · 10/10 · 16 March 2023]

Beautiful film. I lost my mother in December and I have not been able to make art since. It's not like me. I use art to express myself or know how I feel or think. I realized as I watched your doc and listened that I've been working round the clock on my mushroom farm to avoid the studio. I realized a lot. How tight my paintings have become as I closed myself off. I find myself in the accidents and chaos. I want to get back to the way I paint, loose, vulnerable, open.

When I get out of the way, there is room for the magic and connection.

I watched how others connected to common & individual grief. I miss the connection I make with my work when I'm free and in the zone where the magic happens.

Thank you for making your 365 paintings and reminding me that connection is so important.

A must watch film!

[alexwilliamsaz · 10/10 · 29 June 2022]

"The Art of Grieving" is an Indie budget documentary but doesn't feel that way. Take it from someone who is significantly picky about cinematography and shot selection to present the story. "The Art of Grieving" showcases expert-level techniques even with a limited budget. I hope everyone watching this film is inspired to create on any level. There are many takeaways from this film but the one that stood out to me the most was the inspiration to let your emotions drive your creativity. Thank you Preston for bringing the audience into your mind space and showing us your true creativity!

True Art

[pamela-79 · 10/10 · 22 June 2022]

This beautifully crafted film will inspire healing for so many. Zeller has created a masterpiece in his individual artworks, his completed unification of works and with this film!

Great work on an important topic!

[pejones-55387 · 10/10 · 25 June 2022]

I wish more people were this open about talking about their grief! I was really able to connect with Preston as he set out on his journey of grief and loss!

Very moving!

[parisxantiana-76135 · 10/10 · 23 June 2022]

This film really captures the grieving process in a healthy perspective as we will all go through it at some point in our lives. Preston truly puts his heart and soul into this documentary in hopes to help others along their grieving journey.

I am a mother who lost her 31 yo son to fentanyl

[marcycoppock · 10/10 · 9 May 2023]

I am a mother who lost her 31 yo son to fentanyl poisoning Feb 25,2019, I am also a sister who lost her sister to murder when she was 42 yo... I have been seeing a therapist for the past 48 months and doing a lot of grief work.. I love how Preston was open and shared his story with his grief.. this movie is very good for anyone greiving.. it's a process, we all greive differently but I love how he put his emotions in his painting.. writing poems journalling all of it to get out to your head and process it is so recommend..thank you so much Preston and God Bless. I recommend everyone to watch...

A Profound Exploration of Grief Through Art

[kevingetch · 10/10 · 13 March 2024]

"The Art of Grieving" is a documentary that transcends the typical portrayal of loss. It's a beautiful, raw, and emotionally intense journey into one man's artistic exploration of grief. The film follows artist Preston Zeller as he embarks on a self-imposed year-long project of creating a daily painting in response to his brother's death.

The film delves into the therapeutic power of art. Zeller's artistic expression becomes a conduit for processing his emotions, allowing him to navigate the complexities of grief in a way that transcends words.

The documentary is further enriched by interviews with experts on grief and art therapy. These insights add depth to the narrative, validating the artistic path Zeller has chosen and underscoring the universality of his experience.

"The Art of Grieving" is a deeply personal story, yet its message resonates far beyond Zeller's individual experience. The documentary offers a powerful testament to the healing potential of art, serving as a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with loss.

While the documentary focuses on painting, its message extends to all art forms. It encourages viewers to explore creative outlets as a means of processing grief and fostering emotional healing.

Brave and Groundbreaking

[richmelissashort · 10/10 · 16 January 2024]

I just want to say well done to everyone who had a hand in this powerful documentary. I so loved it's honesty which moves upstream in contrast to our microwave, I need it delivered today culture. We can so often ignore the deeper parts of our being, banking on positivity as the path to happiness. Well this is a gut punch to fake it till you make it. What an honor to be invited into the raw and creative wrestlings with our own mortality. Thanks for publicly paving an alternative path through grief.

I have both been encouraged and inspired as I face my own loss of loved ones. The, "How do I do life now without them?" I want to honor their memory even in the mundane of the daily. Appreciate the advance course in Grief!

An inspiring tribute.

[bforenz · 10/10 · 9 February 2023]

The Art of Grieving is a profound and heartfelt look at loss, grief, and how creating art can play a unique roll in processing it. I was incredibly inspired by Preston Zeller's passion and commitment to create 365 works of art as he journeyed through the loss of his brother. Loss of a loved one is something we will all experience at some point, yet it's rarely talked about. This documentary gives us rare insight into the subject of grief, it's varied emotions and stages. Preston Zeller's transparency allows a glimpse into his grief journey. He is an inspiring example of devotion and resilience as he endeavors to create a daily, therapeutic, practice of art.

Inspiring, Creative way to feel, express and process grief

[remdolphin · 10/10 · 17 December 2022]

My husband and I love documentaries. This was inspiring and left us in awe how someone experiencing such a profound loss channeled it to dedicate 365 days to painting and then build a display of it in his house. Grief and death is a taboo subject and it's refreshing to see a documentary capturing a personal way to express it. Grief is Universal to each individual who goes through it. The artist Preston shows how something he was passionate about Art helped him navigate, process his grief to transform it as he navigates through his healing journey. It gives viewers the ability to think about when going through trying and challenging losses how can they process what they are feeling through an option of art therapy. Taking your life's passion and helping you feel and express grief that is authentic to you.

Amazing!

[jay-36271 · 10/10 · 11 January 2023]

I love the message and awareness the film is bringing to such a painful topic that more often times than not gets shoved under the rug. Dealing with Grief in my own life has been difficult at times with no clear instructions on how to heal or what to do. As a man, it was nice to see a different outlet and expression for things we bottle up during hard times. I know this took a lot of vulnerability and personally many take always that led me down my own path of self reflection after watching. It's a beautiful and honest film to say the least. Worth the watch and perspective. Much respect to the Directors and team that put this together. 5/5 stars!

Really well done!

[jbenedic-13529 · 10/10 · 13 December 2022]

Preston and his team do a great job helping the audience understand the grieving process through his eyes and how he's able to cope with his emotions through the art of painting freely. The documentary and Preston's business all center around the idea that society doesn't spend enough time talking about grief. "The Art of Grieving" definitely sheds a light on Preston's experience losing his brother and the need to find a way to express his feelings - it's certainly a moving documentary and a must watch! Also the artwork is quite beautiful, his style is unlike most artists where his painting is truly free of inhibitions.

Amazing!!! A must see film!!!!!!!

[marisalondo · 10/10 · 1 February 2024]

This incredible documentary is a true blessing during tough times of grief. It touched me deeply after losing my dad, and I wish it existed when my mom passed. It's a remarkable source of inspiration, understanding, and healing. It's a true gem that helped me immensely during a difficult time of grief. Seriously, it touched my soul and provided tremendous support when I lost my dad. I truly wish I had seen it when my mom passed away too. It's not sad or sobby, it's an incredibly inspirational film that helps you understand and embrace your emotions. It's a must-watch for anyone going through a healing process. Keep moving forward! Highly reccommend it!