The Beginning
The Creation of Personalized commemorative urns began as a simple task to contain the cremains of my parents and special friends. Over the years the making of urns has taken on elements of what I can only call, a sacred task. Such work did not begin that way. During what were to become the last weeks of my father's life our relationship was not the best. It had not been for a long time but Our Lord healed a lifetime of struggle during those days. We visited him in the hospital and took some photographs, and said see you in a couple of days. Then the call came as we cleaned his home preparing for his return. Had the Lord not brought us together I would have felt nothing but as it was, the suffering was immeasurable. What great thing can I do for my father now, I asked myself. Prior to the moment when I sat in the studio to make the vessel for my father our relationship was only newly healed, I struggled with every detail. Should I sit at the wheel or make it by hand, and what to put on it. He was headed for the National cemetery. .Should it be his military rank or his name, I was unsure and so I turned the question over to prayer. The proper words almost went unnoticed but then I heard them clearly, "Honor thy Father.". The words came from Exodus 20:12 and made it clear. "Honor thy Father and thy Mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.." Indeed, Honor Thy Father, Honor thy Holy Father. I made the urn, the vessel, and I inscribed with my own hand and I placed him inside one small bit at a time with reverence and honor. After the military funeral, as we walked, I carried him to the niche which was to become his final resting place, I heard in my mind, slowly Marc, measured steps, measured steps. Having lived those moments, it would be my honor to serve you as I served him..
I have a few designs of my own that I have used for my own family and to me they fit the personality of the people involved. They took a great deal of thought and prayer to accomplish with a sense of peace, honoring the Lord and giving the person their rightful and respectful due
Reliquary.
Over the centuries Holy objects such as the possessions of a saint have been stored in reliquaries as a means to remember and honor them. Over time this has come to encompass certain other precious and very personal treasures such as the cremains of a loved one and occasionally a personal object or objects like a favorite possession of theirs. For some this is an object of close personal significance such as a wallet, hair brush, lock of hair, or piece of jewelry. Some people have chosen something even more deeply personal such as a shirt or pillow case. The possession can be anything at all. What is important is that the container be given a place of significance, not as an object of worship per se but as a focal point of the best memories that our hearts contain. Such memories manifest with strength and significance over time and are God's gift to us.
The Process .
For extended family and friends the process began with discussions about the individual, including hobbies and occupations. What was meaningful I would ask.. From these shared moments I made sketches.. Once the ideas had come together and the basic sketches completed the clay work began. The design idea is to softly remind and warm the hearts of family and friends rather than be overt and photo realistic. Nothing will ever be more powerful than the personal memories within ones own heart.
I knew these people personally and so I never had to ask about the volume of the container, but I must ask that delicate question. Such things are usually designated in cubic centimeters or by measuring the container provided by the funeral home. There is also the question of following the wishes of a loved one when one needs to find a balance. In this case a smaller keepsake urn may be desired which would allow for a scattering with a portion held back to be continuously close. This is how the process goes for everyone.
If at any time during the actual construction a thought or question arises, by all means, please communicate it to me. I will do the same because as an artist there is often a need for some leeway in design in order to pull elements together. Once completed, the piece is sent to you carefully packed. Sealing wax is included to insure an air tight fit of the cover. Your loved one should be placed inside within a plastic bag for safety in the event of unforeseen events. I will do all I can to assist you during our time together.
Costs
Costs vary with complexity and size but will always be clear. Email me to discuss your needs. Shipping is always on me. Feeling settled about this important purchase is of the utmost importance. The time is right only when you are ready and I will work with all the skill I can to bring your vision into reality. Your satisfaction is paramount..
The Future.
At a point in the future you will find Peace for your self and your family and being able to share those moments with one who has gone on by having them close will become a treasure like no other. God Bless You and your family..
The Creation of Personalized commemorative urns began as a simple task to contain the cremains of my parents and special friends. Over the years the making of urns has taken on elements of what I can only call, a sacred task. Such work did not begin that way. During what were to become the last weeks of my father's life our relationship was not the best. It had not been for a long time but Our Lord healed a lifetime of struggle during those days. We visited him in the hospital and took some photographs, and said see you in a couple of days. Then the call came as we cleaned his home preparing for his return. Had the Lord not brought us together I would have felt nothing but as it was, the suffering was immeasurable. What great thing can I do for my father now, I asked myself. Prior to the moment when I sat in the studio to make the vessel for my father our relationship was only newly healed, I struggled with every detail. Should I sit at the wheel or make it by hand, and what to put on it. He was headed for the National cemetery. .Should it be his military rank or his name, I was unsure and so I turned the question over to prayer. The proper words almost went unnoticed but then I heard them clearly, "Honor thy Father.". The words came from Exodus 20:12 and made it clear. "Honor thy Father and thy Mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.." Indeed, Honor Thy Father, Honor thy Holy Father. I made the urn, the vessel, and I inscribed with my own hand and I placed him inside one small bit at a time with reverence and honor. After the military funeral, as we walked, I carried him to the niche which was to become his final resting place, I heard in my mind, slowly Marc, measured steps, measured steps. Having lived those moments, it would be my honor to serve you as I served him..
I have a few designs of my own that I have used for my own family and to me they fit the personality of the people involved. They took a great deal of thought and prayer to accomplish with a sense of peace, honoring the Lord and giving the person their rightful and respectful due
Reliquary.
Over the centuries Holy objects such as the possessions of a saint have been stored in reliquaries as a means to remember and honor them. Over time this has come to encompass certain other precious and very personal treasures such as the cremains of a loved one and occasionally a personal object or objects like a favorite possession of theirs. For some this is an object of close personal significance such as a wallet, hair brush, lock of hair, or piece of jewelry. Some people have chosen something even more deeply personal such as a shirt or pillow case. The possession can be anything at all. What is important is that the container be given a place of significance, not as an object of worship per se but as a focal point of the best memories that our hearts contain. Such memories manifest with strength and significance over time and are God's gift to us.
The Process .
For extended family and friends the process began with discussions about the individual, including hobbies and occupations. What was meaningful I would ask.. From these shared moments I made sketches.. Once the ideas had come together and the basic sketches completed the clay work began. The design idea is to softly remind and warm the hearts of family and friends rather than be overt and photo realistic. Nothing will ever be more powerful than the personal memories within ones own heart.
I knew these people personally and so I never had to ask about the volume of the container, but I must ask that delicate question. Such things are usually designated in cubic centimeters or by measuring the container provided by the funeral home. There is also the question of following the wishes of a loved one when one needs to find a balance. In this case a smaller keepsake urn may be desired which would allow for a scattering with a portion held back to be continuously close. This is how the process goes for everyone.
If at any time during the actual construction a thought or question arises, by all means, please communicate it to me. I will do the same because as an artist there is often a need for some leeway in design in order to pull elements together. Once completed, the piece is sent to you carefully packed. Sealing wax is included to insure an air tight fit of the cover. Your loved one should be placed inside within a plastic bag for safety in the event of unforeseen events. I will do all I can to assist you during our time together.
Costs
Costs vary with complexity and size but will always be clear. Email me to discuss your needs. Shipping is always on me. Feeling settled about this important purchase is of the utmost importance. The time is right only when you are ready and I will work with all the skill I can to bring your vision into reality. Your satisfaction is paramount..
The Future.
At a point in the future you will find Peace for your self and your family and being able to share those moments with one who has gone on by having them close will become a treasure like no other. God Bless You and your family..
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Now that its been a few years, I asked my friend to share a little about her experience with her droplet shaped vessel. She said, “ Its something I look at every day and I appreciate that my husband is up on the mantle. I am also glad a dear friend did it. I moved out of state and my new friends see it all the time and comment on it as artwork. Lately the kids have been wondering who will inherit it one day but since we didn’t seal it permanently we have begun sharing since the kids live all over the states.”. Then she shared a strange anecdote that could only come from her as she has a sense of humor. She said "my husband really hated to travel so from time to time I take him with me. It is amazing the places we have gone and knowing he is there is comforting especially at my age.".
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