Memorial Ashes Pitcher Set

Shortly after the shut down in 2020, I was contacted with an idea to create some memorial pottery. I had proposed a project using human ashes in an urn project while in school, and a classmate had referred this person to me with interest in doing something similar.

I jumped at the opportunity. I began pulling out my old notes and planning a commission work with this gracious and open minded client. She had hoped to use her fathers ashes in a pitcher and cup set to commemorate her father. The idea of a pitcher appealed to us both- something you can use, share and connect over. A pitcher is made to contain and give. What a beautiful metaphor for the memory and the sharing of a legacy. I felt a real sense of responsibility to make this set something worthy of the trust that had been placed with me.

I began this process and had a few hiccups along the way as my access to a soda kiln was difficult to acquire due to location and the pandemic creating some barriers. I threw the pitcher and cups on the wheel after wedging the ash into the clay body itself; acting almost as grog. I took this commission work to Medalta in Medicine Hat where I rent the soda kiln.

Fast forward to months later. My client was being patient and graceful while we jumped through hoops and worked around limitations of the material and the kilns. Finally I was ready to show her the set!

I was so honoured to be trusted with this project. What a beautiful experience to be a facilitator of this memorial work. It was truly a special moment to show her the finished work, and to talk with her about her father, and her emotional journey through this process.

I would love to do more of this work, and am really happy with the results of the project. I’d love to hear what you all think of commemorative clay!