Tag Archives: Life and Death

“The Unity of Life and Death” by Otto Freundlich

Killed by the Germans in WWII, Jewish artist Freundlich left behind an oeuvre that transcends his unjust death

There’s a prevailing sense of warmth in Jewish artist Otto Freundlich’s The Unity of Life and Death (1936-38). Curved, colorful squares build on one another in the abstract oil painting, inspiring a sensation I can only compare to seeing holiday … Continue reading

Posted in Soulful Expressions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Artist Bruce Nauman and The End-of-Life Electric

What does it mean to render life, death and humanity in neon?

In the late 1970s, Indiana native Bruce Nauman emerged as one of the key players in America’s contemporary art scene. Like many of his peers, Nauman’s art knew no fixed medium – he worked in print, sculpture, video and even … Continue reading

Posted in Soulful Expressions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“What Now?” by Ann Patchett

Taking graduation advice and applying it to our everyday lives

  As spring approaches, and with it, graduations across the country, I like to find the time to reflect on Ann Patchett’s 2008 graduation speech and short book, What Now? A friend gave it to me a while back in … Continue reading

Posted in The Next Chapter | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo

It’s a classic for a reason

  At this point, it might feel superfluous to talk about Les Mis. It’s a literary classic that’s been adapted time and time again into film. To be honest, I’m tired of seeing trailers of Anne Hathaway belting her heart … Continue reading

Posted in The Next Chapter | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment




Metaphors on Death

Cultural beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife dictate how people around the world experience and ritualize the end of life.

A common tactic for understanding the complexity of death and end-of-life is to liken it to other parts of life that are a little simpler to comprehend. Though this is done commonly across cultures, the metaphors used differ from culture … Continue reading

Posted in Cultural Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment



The Newtown Connecticut Shooting Leaves the Nation Asking Questions

One Iowa casket maker donates caskets to the Connecticut shooting victims

The shooting this morning at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, has left a deep mark on our nation’s consciousness. In line with the string of such random outbreaks of senseless violence this summer, the Newton, Connecticut shooting will … Continue reading

Posted in Something Special | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment