Ashes to Art : My Story

Ashes to Art : My Story


In the 10 years I have been a professional glass artist I have always thought that I was following the right path. And now I know.


I began working with cremation ash about 6 years ago when a friends father passed and he asked if I could make him something with ashes. There had been a lot of buzz going on about using cremation ashes in fused glass at the studio at the time. Knowing it was possible I felt a calling to make him some cremation jewelry for his sisters. I was amazed at what a challenge it was to work with the ashes and spent over 3 years studying cremation ash and it's effects inside kiln formed glass by offering my service for free to family and friends. After my Mom passed away  I stopped working with the ashes all together and felt unable to even look at her ashes at all. The grief I was going through was unexplainable. The loss of a Mother is like being cut from a cord that holds you to the ground. Floating, and lost. I had no interest in anything that had anything to do with cremation ashes. As the 1 year anniversary of her death was approaching, out of nowhere a lady had placed a custom order on my Etsy page for a custom design keepsake. I had even forgotten that I had the 1 listing on my page that at the time was filled with my paintings and jewelry. Her ashes arrived at my home on the anniversary of my mothers passing. Ever since that moment I felt my Mother calling me to make this cremation art with her ashes. I finally had the strength to make art with my mothers ashes. And through that process I finally understood how healing this craft I do can be for people. Wearing my mothers ashes in a keepsake pendant makes me feel like she is with me. looking at the sun catcher I made from her makes me feel her spirit every morning. I knew then that not only could I do what I love, but maybe what I love doing could bring comfort and healing to others who have found grief from the passing of a loved one. So at the beginning of 2014 I changed my entire Etsy into a new business. making my ashes in glass available to the public. I continue to heal making crafts from my mothers ashes as many of the creations I have in my shop are made for my mom, for family, for friends and myself. I have always wanted to help people and what better way then to do it with art.

EMAIL infusionglassart.com


My name is Joele Williams (pronounced Joe-Lee) I am a professional artist, art teacher, and mom. Born in Las Vegas Nevada- lived in Arcata California working as a Artist and Art Teacher. A Member of Fire Arts Center community art workshop and resident for over 10 years.

Now living in Sam's Valley Oregon in the mountains. InFusion Glass Studio is nestled in the forest trees of our Oregon Home 
I am a veteran glass artist and fused glass teacher with more than 17 years of experience in kiln formed glass. I began working with cremation ash when a friends father passed and he asked if I could make him something with ashes. I was amazed at what a challenge it was to work with the ashes and spent over 3 years studying cremation ash and it's effects inside kiln formed glass by offering my service for free to family and friends. After my Mom passed away I felt her calling me to make this cremation art available to the public. Some of the things you see in my shop are creations I have made for my mom, for family, for friends and myself. I feel very connected to spirit and all of my paintings and fused glass art are a reflection of that connection. I am always gentle and respectful of spirit when I infuse ashes into my art and try to connect to each client.
As a Teacher and Professional Artist I put my experience and total loving energy into every work of art no matter how small. I love what I do and will spend the rest of my life connecting to my creative spirit. Connecting to my inner Consciousness. Connecting to spirit.
Conscious art is about pure awareness. Consciousness can be aware of anything, including itself. It is found only in living entities, and therefore it is the source of the living force. Energy at it's essence. We are all made from this. Energy never dies, it simply transforms.

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