I heard the word 'bespoke' recently and felt drawn to how its meaning encapsulated the vision for the bereaved to participate in the design and creation process of making custom urns, only to find this word has been over-used and misappropriated in the modern context of marketing.
In the not-so-distant past, before death became an industry, crafting a container for a loved one's remains was a final act, a labor of love, perhaps even part of how one grieved. While 'bespoke' is a term originating from a custom between clothing designers and their customers to convey a level of craftsmanship and trust that allowed the designer to create clothing 'as spoken' to them by their client, a 'bespoke urn' or memorial can also speak for you, in its truest sense telling the story in clay as guided by your words and my skill.
Working together in the studio, one-on-one, or a group project with friends and family members, there are infinite ways to create your bespoke treasure. No matter your skill level, you can embrace your creativity and let loose your imagination as you embark on a guided journey of self-expression in clay, fostering a sense of togetherness and support during this challenging time.
I have experienced clay as a uniquely visceral process to grieve and celebrate loss and to contemplate mortality and the fleeting experience that life is, all that is joyful and sorrowful. Don't be afraid of death, of grief, of how long it's been! Every journey is unique. Martin Prechtel says, "Grief is praise because it is the natural way love honors what it misses." Just as there is beauty in a woven basket or wooden casket lovingly crafted by hand, I invite you to join me in my studio for a bespoke experience, creating a treasured clay urn that holds the story waiting to be told.
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