Grief Causes Growth Print 9/24 by Jini Veenker

This striking print by Colorado artist Jini Veenker blends symbolism, emotional depth, and delicate craftsmanship. Titled “Grief Causes Growth,” 9 of 24 prints. The work features a bold black linocut design printed over a textured, rose-pink handmade paper, creating a vivid contrast between pain and renewal.

At the center of the composition, a single, expressive eye peers out from within a heart-shaped frame made of thorny vines—a powerful visual metaphor for vulnerability, sorrow, and resilience. Surrounding the eye, butterflies and moths flutter delicately among small flowers and tendrils, representing transformation and healing through loss. The thorns evoke the sharpness of grief, while the organic growth and metamorphosis suggest emotional evolution and a sense of hope.

Signed and numbered by the artist, this limited-edition piece (19/24) embodies Veenker’s thoughtful approach to printmaking—merging contemporary illustration with timeless emotional themes. “Grief Causes Growth” invites reflection on how pain can give rise to strength, compassion, and new beginnings.

About the Artist:
Jini Veenker is a printmaker based in Colorado whose work often explores the intersection of emotion, symbolism, and natural forms. She employs traditional printmaking techniques, such as linocut and woodblock, to create modern, narrative-driven imagery. Veenker’s art reflects both personal introspection and universal themes of healing, transformation, and resilience, inviting viewers to connect deeply through shared human experience. 

Size: 12x16

Medium: Print of an Ink Drawing