mosaic gallery 15 - cremation urns

Memory Urns - This is a Cremation Urn, also known as a Memory or Funerary Urn.   This project is close to my heart  because it will hold the remains of my brother Marc who passed away from lung cancer August 20, 2005.   Having a urn commissioned is a creative, unusual and very personal way  to express your feelings for a loved one.    For this project, I've chosen mementos from Marc's life that were important to him, as well as to myself.   The design is custom and reflects our connection.  I've chosen  a scene with hummingbirds, as well as hidden, ambient images. 

#147

Side 1 - 10/21/05-   You can see that the top isn't completed yet.  This side shows the Serenity Prayer coin and a small lily pad with lotus flower bottom right.  

This piece was created in the round, meaning there are no bad sides, (just favorites)!  The piece is not grouted yet, will probably use a sandy brown/tan color.  I want softness.

Side 2 - To the Right: Marc's picture  encased in a watch; and an earring from my mom around part of a bracelet she gave me.  Almost  top center, a green lily pad leaf.  Ingredients: Stained glass from Randy, smalti, porcelain, tile, dishes, shells, jewelry, earrings, love, regret, memories...  Special objects will also be inside.  The top will also hold keepsakes. 

Side 3 - Here is the largest lily pad, the lotus flower is in pink and purple smalti.   I'm embellishing the urn with keepsakes.  A picture of Marc, encased in an old watch head,  the AA serenity prayer coin (so important to Marc's success with sobriety), a real coin imprinted with Kennedy Space Center , representing  my Uncle Kevin's trip down to Florida.

Side 4 - I've also included the pendant Marc  always wore, as well as one of my mother's rings he chose to have when she died.  

Shells that we brought back from the Cape Canaveral seashore are a reminder of a beautiful sunny day  Marc, Dave and I spent at the beach, fishing, relaxing, knowing  that our time together was all too limited.....    

Page 2 - See picture of Marc and mementos up close

Page 3 - See finished urn.