From and To Dust
Socially engaged ceramic urn projectPresented at c3:initiative in Portland, OR 2017
As part of Social Objects with the Socially Engaged Craft Collective during NCECA 2017
An urn is a body containing another body. AFrom and To Dust is a series of multipurpose urn sculptures that live in homes throughout Portland, OR. Participants work with me to design and produce their own cremation urn. Project participants range from community college students in their late teens, to senior citizens, to people who have terminal illnesses.
Project collaborators are people who plan to be cremated and are willing to live with a handmade urn in their home until it is used for its intended purpose. Together, we develop a design and make the urn. As a trained ceramist, I offer my technical knowledge when needed, but high craftsmanship is not required. Some people want to be very hands-on and make it themselves, while others prefer to direct me. Once the urn is finished, the participant then keeps the urn in their life until it eventually is used.
