Exploring Grief's Canvas: A Conversation with Charlene Lam, Curator of The Grief Gallery
In a world where grief often feels isolating, Charlene Lam, a Chinese-American certified grief coach, speaker, and curator of The Grief Gallery, stands as a beacon of understanding and compassion.
Charlene describes herself as a daughter, a human, and a creative soul motivated by food and inspired by stories, objects, and language. As the only child of her parents, Charlene spent much of her time exploring the depths of her own mind, finding solace in creativity and self-expression.
Charlene's life took a profound turn when she lost her mother. In the midst of her grief, she found herself searching for meaning and purpose. "Should it be this hard?" she questioned, reflecting on the loneliness of her journey. Drawing from her innate desire to help others, much like her mother, Charlene embarked on a path of healing and transformation.
The concept of The Grief Gallery was born out of her personal experience of loss and her love for creativity and curation. Inspired by the idea of museums and galleries as safe spaces, she sought to create a platform where individuals could explore their grief through storytelling and meaningful objects. "Museums and galleries have always felt like sacred spaces to me," she explains. "I wanted to bring that same sense of reverence and reflection to the experience of grieving."
Through her work with The Grief Gallery, Charlene has discovered new insights into her own relationship with grief. "Just as my relationship with my mother has evolved, so has my relationship with grief," she reflects. "It's a journey of understanding and acceptance, filled with different perspectives and moments of growth."
One of the most rewarding aspects of Charlene's work has been supporting others on their own grief journeys. Through exhibitions, speaking engagements, and coaching sessions, she has witnessed the transformative power of storytelling and creativity. "I want people to feel lighter, to have hope, and to experience beauty," she says. "Even if they're not ready to let go of physical objects, I want them to know that healing is possible."
Charlene brings her unique perspective to the world of grief support. Embracing her identity and culture, she celebrates traditions while challenging unhealthy narratives and stereotypes. "I want to see more people like us represented in the industry," she says. "I want us to have a seat at the table and to be heard."
Looking to the future, Charlene hopes to see greater awareness and inclusivity in the field of grief support. "We need to move away from assumptions and token representation," she asserts. "Everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally competent care."
