Ashes to Art

Aug. 20, 2008

Type: event
Location: US
Starts: Sep 26 2008 at 12:00AM
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Ashes to Art® | scattered

The 4rd international juried exhibition of original contemporary funerary urns, vessels, reliquaries and personal memorial art

Dates:
September 27 to November 30, 2008
Reception:
Friday, September 26, 6-8 pm
Venue:
Art Honors Life® | The Gallery at FUNERIA
2860 Bowen Street #1
Graton, CA 95444 USA

The Gallery at FUNERIA's goal is to lighten the burden placed on loved ones - and soften the fear for ourselves - when what remains of the physical self is no more than ashes and dust. One artist's vision at the close of the 20th century has now opened an alliance between two groups: artists whose creativity compels them to express beauty, and those who seek art as a means to honor a beautiful life.

The inevitability of death, and our comfort with it, is experienced differently - often dramatically so - among the world's cultures. In common among us, however, is our sorrow for the loss of a loved one's vitality, wisdom, humor, and idiosyncrasies. We may have questions, and the answers are gone.

What we can have, however, in remembrance of a singular life, is easily available when we allay fear and sadness with art and beauty. Art is communicative and can help to heal a troubled heart. The art we choose in honor of another, or for ourselves, stands in for us when we're no longer here.

FEATURING "METAMORPHOSIS" by Ellen Jantzen
Biodegradable Vessel - Metamorphosis

Ellen Jantzen's vessel, Metamorphosis, was made to contain a portion of an individual’s ashes and can be considered biodegradable if the owner wishes. The body of the vessel (which would house the ashes) was created from paper maché. The “feathers” are digital photos of feathers attached with water soluble glue. All is coated with a UV inhibiting acrylic coating so the vessel, if kept dry, should last indefinitely. If the owner wishes it to bio degrade the vessel only need to be buried in moist soil. Ellen estimates that the paper maché body (housing the ashes) would break down within 3-4 months if buried in moist soil.