Episode 150: The Healing Power of Art
Laura and Matt GrundlerSteven Branfman
Losing a loved one is devastating. Grief takes a toll on our emotions, our well-being, our relationships, and often it can put our creative endeavors on hold. In 2005, Steven Branfman lost his son to cancer, a tragedy that led him to embark on a remarkable project—A Father’s Kaddish. Steven created 365 Japanese Chawan tea bowls, one a day for a year after his son’s passing. Through these small bowls, he found a unique channel for his grief. In this conversation, Matt, Laura, and Steven discuss the powerful connection between art, healing, and storytelling. They delve into the symbolism behind the tea bowls, the community it created, and how this labor of love became a tribute to his son’s memory.
