Handmade ceramic urns
Unique art urns, shaped by hand in my studio in Andelst (Overbetuwe), near Arnhem and Nijmegen. Choose an urn that is ready, or have one made to order.
This is not a light project to begin with. Needing an urn is never something to be glad about, because the reason for it is often terribly sad. Nor is it a project I simply started on a whim. My cocoons were always just sculptures without a function, until my own grandfather passed away.
Nothing can recreate how it felt to say a final goodbye to someone and to know that this really was the last smile. No experience comes close to the image of my grandmother still talking softly to him and straightening his shirt.
This moment in my life has stayed with me so clearly, with everything that came with it. But one of the things that astonished me most was the startling beauty that was also present in every sad moment. Someone is so deeply loved, remembered and cherished by everyone they leave behind.
It gave me a strong feeling that I wanted to contribute to these moments of connection and vulnerability. The first urn I ever made (Zeewind) is the urn for my own grandfather. Together with my grandmother, I talked about who he was and what we associate with him, and from there I began to shape this first urn.
Once it was finished, I realised that the wish to contribute had not gone away at all; it had only grown stronger. I want to give other people the chance to have something unique and fitting for their loved ones who have passed away.
All my urns are shaped entirely by hand. I don't use moulds, so every piece is completely unique. My urns are art objects with a function, conceived and made entirely by me. I love working on special commissions and find personal contact very important for these pieces. Anyone can come to me with an idea, inspiration or question, and together we will create an urn that suits you and your loved ones.
Frequently asked questions
How does making an urn work?
If you would like me to make an urn for you, please get in touch with me first. We will talk everything through together and arrange a time to meet or to call. In that conversation we will discuss your wishes and decide what is feasible. After that you will receive a rough indication of the price and a deposit is paid. I think it is important to take your wishes for an urn into account, so you can share your preferences for colours, shapes and inspiration. Although I certainly take your wishes into account, this is a work you buy from an artist, not from a production company, so my style and fingerprint will always be present.
Once everything is clear, I get to work and keep you updated on the progress. How quickly a piece is finished depends on the design. We are of course working with clay, which comes with drying periods and firing times.
When the urn is finished, you can come and collect it and you will receive an invoice for the full amount (minus the deposit).
Can I have a custom urn made?
Certainly! You can buy an urn that has already been made, but you are also welcome to contact me with your wishes and questions! I think it is important to involve you in the process, so that in the end we have a result that is fitting and meets your wishes.
Can I also make my own urn?
Yes, you can. Besides the urns I design and shape by hand, you can also make an urn yourself: with your own hands, on your own or together with family or friends, with me as your guide.
This is not part of my weekly ceramics course. It is a personal appointment that is entirely about this one urn. I help you with the shaping; afterwards I let the urn dry and fire it in the kiln in my studio in Andelst. Feel free to get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
How long does it take for an urn to be ready?
If you order a personalised urn from me, it naturally takes longer than choosing an urn I have already made. Shaping and modelling take about a week, drying takes 1 to 2 weeks, and after that the piece still has to be glazed, which takes a few more days (including the firing). Each of these steps may also take more time if something needs to be changed or adjusted. In short: a personalised urn can take up to 6 weeks to be ready.
If you already have your eye on an urn from my website, you can of course have it much sooner, because we are no longer tied to the making process.
What if I need an urn quickly?
I always have a number of urns that are finished and available to buy straight away. Alongside commissions, I keep working on my own collection, and these urns can be bought at any time. If you are not sure from the photos on my website, you are always welcome to visit and see my work in person (please make an appointment through the contact form).
What sizes are available?
The sizes of my urns are listed in the descriptions of the urns on my website. For other sizes, you can always contact me.
How much ash does an urn hold?
How much ash an urn holds depends on its size. My pieces are not cast in a mould; they are all shaped by hand, so this can vary a lot from piece to piece.
How much does an urn cost?
Prices vary from piece to piece. Ready-made pieces without personalisation all range between €950 and €1,500. If you would like a custom urn, the price starts there, but it can vary depending on the amount of extra time, materials and special requests.
Can an urn be kept outdoors, or in an urn niche or grave?
My urns can certainly be kept outdoors. An urn niche is also possible in many cases, but that depends on the specific conditions of your local cemetery or crematorium. I can seal the urn completely, but then it can no longer be opened properly. All my urns are fired at stoneware temperatures (the highest temperatures for ceramics), which means they are very strong and weather-resistant. Even so, I always recommend bringing ceramic work indoors during frost.
Do you also make mini urns, sharing urns or keepsake urns?
Yes! I make smaller sizes (also on request), and I also make double urns, for example for a couple. If you have an idea and don't see anything similar on my website, you can always get in touch to discuss the possibilities!
Do you also make urns for pets?
I can certainly make smaller urns on commission and take your ideas into account, but my urns are also all works of art in which I want to preserve my artistry and autonomy. So I will gladly discuss colours and shapes with you, but I don't make miniature likenesses of your pets.
Can the urn be shipped?
Certainly.