Art from Ashes: A Unique Way to Remember Your Loved Ones

Kenny Scott | May 20, 2016 | Art from Ashes

Saying goodbye to someone close is never easy, but they’ll always remain in your heart.

Grief is a strange beast that can wash over you in waves, and it may be a while before you can even contemplate the subject of what to do with the ashes of someone special.

But have you ever thought about turning them into a creative work of art?

‘Art from ashes?’ I hear you say – it’s likely not the most conventional idea you’ve ever heard, but it is an inspired one that may be the most wonderful way to honour your love one’s memory.

Having worked in glass design for over 20 years now, memorial glass and art are two of my specialties – so it kind of made sense to combine the two into a gorgeous memorial canvas.

I don’t currently know any other companies that sell memorial art canvases quite like mine, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there. So below, I’m going to talk you through my own process and why many people are choosing memorial art glass to remember their loved ones.

Why choose a memorial canvas?

A memorial canvas can be particularly suitable if your loved one was an art lover, or you’re particularly fond of art yourself. It’s also a comforting idea to think of them sitting on the wall, watching over you – and you can of course give them pride of place in your home.

The creation process

Below, I’m going to talk you through my own unique creation process for making art into ashes, to give you the best idea of what to expect.

Step 1:

First, you choose the colour you want and the style of canvas you’d prefer (options can be found either online or in your order pack, but some companies – myself included – will do their best to accommodate a colour of your choosing).

Step 2:

Once the glass colours are selected, the ashes are fused together inside two layers of chunky glass.

Step 3:

The glass is heated to 860 degrees to give different textures to the surface, which can lead to a pebbly or grainy effect.

An interesting thing to mention here is that no matter what colour the glass, it all looks orange under the extreme heat. You can only really tell the true colours once it cools down to room temperature, but experience will tell you how to reach the desired effect.

Step 4:

The glass is left in the kiln to cool down over the next 24 hours, ready for the next step.

Step 5:

The glass is then mounted onto a high quality box canvas, to hang securely on your wall.

Step 6:

Once the finished memorial canvas is ready, I will email photos to you along with an invoice. Your special canvas is then sent out to you via Royal Mail Recorded/Signed For or Special Delivery.

How long does it take?

I usually always aim to process orders within two weeks, although other companies who may offer memorial art (in various shapes and sizes) could have longer turnaround times.

I know how important it is to have peace of mind and to get your loved one’s ashes back as quickly as possible, which is why I always keep my customers updated at every stage of the process and don’t delay more than necessary.

Cost

A well-made memorial canvas using deep edge cotton canvas should cost no less than around £100.

Although budget is important, I’d advise taking a look at the different types of art glass available and finding an experienced company that not only suits your price constraints, but also makes you feel confident and reassured that your loved one’s ashes are in good hands.

Conclusion

A memorial canvas can be an original and heartfelt way to honour your loved one’s memory. You don’t need a large amount of ashes, and it will allow you to have your loved one in the forefront of your mind, looking over you from their pride of place in your home.

The delicate process involved in making art from ashes needs experienced hands, and the cost can be around £100 or perhaps more – depending on the type of art you opt for. But remember – always take your time choosing a cremation art company, and make sure you’re comfortable before sending ashes off in the post.