I’m ready to share the secret project I’ve been working on! Read on to find out why this piece is my most honored commission . . .

A client recently reached out to see if I was able to do a fluid piece for her Mother’s upcoming birthday….but there was something very unique about the piece that the family wanted added into it. The Father had passed away and the family would like to have his ashes incorporated into the piece. They asked if I would be comfortable and able to put the ashes into the piece?
 

My Most Honored Commission!

There’s so much more to color than meets the eye! In fact, color is light/frequency/vibration/energy that’s always affecting your emotions and mind, whether you’re aware of it or not. Plus, color has the ability to affect the physical body, too. Since we all engage with color daily, there’s a great opportunity to utilize color to affect well being. Constance Hart, Founder & Developer of Conscious Colors.

My first reaction was “Wow, what an amazing opportunity!” I said, “YES, this an incredible honor.” The client and I chatted further about specific colors and size. I decided to blend both a favorite color of the Father and Mother for the base color of the piece. I immediately knew I wanted a heart shape for the overall piece, representing love for family and Father. I would also embellish this piece with specific gemstones to symbolize love, adding the rose quartz and 24 Karat gold leafing.
We’ve all been touched by death in some way and it’s very uncomfortable for most, left with only cherished memories. Death can affect us for lifetimes. I still think almost daily about my family and friends who have passed away, a pain in my heart that will never be erased or forgotten. The pain lessens over the years, but it’s always there.

I had heard of people designing jewelry with crematory ashes, but never in artwork. I decided to do some research about using ash with fluid-paint and resin! I reached out to my painting groups, but no one had done this before. O.K, deep breathe here, I’ve learned this much about painting on my own I’d continue on and trust.

I used the next couple weeks to conduct my tests. My test pieces came out great, especially with the second phase of using resin. I awaited the arrival of the ashes. Once I received them, I made sure they were stored in a special container until I was ready to use them.

I set up my studio space to create a specific atmosphere for this piece. I asked the daughter what her Fathers favorite music was. I set my intentions for my piece as I prepared my paints, lit a candle, burned sage and let the process flow and played the Fathers favorite music.

I wanted to be incredibly conscious of not wasting any paint in the process, to ensure no paint was thrown out or wasted I decided to make four small complimentary hearts. These were for his children. I did not tell my client I was doing these additional pieces (as they were my complimentary gift to them) I wanted it to be a surprise! I wanted each of the children to share in this special creation and have something beautiful to look at!

Doing this piece was an incredible honor, a beautiful way to remember a loved one. I cherish this experience and I’m so grateful the opportunity to share it.