Final Resting Vessels

Over the years I have been honored to create many final resting vessels for peoples loved ones. Out of all the jobs I do here at the pottery I think that this has always been one of my dearest requests, baby bowls are my next dearest. Beginnings and endings, the circle of life. When I was younger I approached creating the urns in a more traditional way until I was asked by a friend if I could create something that would be both beautiful and not obviously an urn. I am so glad that they asked me that as it completely changed how I approach final resting vessels. These days I encourage people to pick a form that they will fully enjoy and to consider that the vessel doesn’t necessarily need a lid. Lots of my decorative vessels have very small openings and really, a lid isn’t needed.

My latest request was from the daughter of a long time collector of mine. She wanted a vessel for both her and her dad so they could both have a bit of mom and these bottle vases are what I ended up creating. The forms compliment each other as did her parents, a beautiful form of remembrance. Erin has kindly agreed to share her experience with you, her story is below. ❤️🦊

When my mom passed away I knew I needed to find something beautiful and unique to hold her ashes that truly represented and reminded me of her. My parents loved visiting Vancouver Island and over the years visited Mary Fox’s studio numerous times and my mom ended up with a beautiful collection of her pieces. I reached out to Mary to see if she could create an urn and we began the process of designing a set of urns that work together in the future but at this time one will be at my house and the other with my dad. 

We visited Mary’s studio in the summer on our camping trip to Tofino. The shape and glaze styles were selected then Mary began creating the vessels and sending photos along the way. 

The final pieces are absolutely stunning and are the perfect reminder of such a special person. I’m grateful to Mary for creating these pieces for us. 

– Erin Gardiner

Erin as a child with her mom next to her mom’s new home.

Before I went ahead with finishing the pieces I sent Erin this photo of the vases when they were bone dry to make sure I had the forms to her liking.