Creating Memories for Life
Alpha carved tile
Headstone
Omega carved tile
Roses and Kisses
Front Tile Panel of Cherry Funerary Box
A year ago last fall (yeah - 2007) I was approached by my friend Tom to make a funerary box for his wife Shirley who had passed away on June 12, 2007. Although I said yes - I really had no idea how to go about it. Back in the ‘70s, when I was throwing pots in Southern Ohio, I had made an “ash pot” (a salt-glazed jug with a leather and bone lid)– I always figured I might use that for my self – but a funerary box was something totally different!
During the following months, Tom shared pictures and insights into Shirley’s life - her likes and dislikes and experiences they shared during the many years of their life together. Between art shows and working on my products to sell at them, I began working on ideas through drawings and prototypes.
This past September (2008) I finally completed the box. The box is designed in the craftsman style. The cherry wood frame incases art tiles that were handmade to reflect Shirley’s life. The front and back tiles depict special things about Shirley - she loved roses, humming birds, Hershey Kisses, and traveling the world. The end tiles are marked with the signs of Alpha and Omega– symbolizing the beginning and ending of life. Under the lid is the headstone for Shirley.
As sometimes happens - God works in mysterious ways - I finished the box just in time for the anniversary of Shirley’s birth date.
This project was very significant to me; to be asked (by a loved one) to create something that would stands as a dedication to a person’s life and would be the final resting place for that person was quite weighty - wow - what a humbling experience.
