Sculpture urn to remember late brother

A Cork sculptor has created a deeply symbolic sculptural urn to remember her late brother who died from cancer.

Martha Cashman’s poignant memorial piece is part of her new collection, Marthaz Urns.

She said: “The urn is a representation of the cremation Pat would have chosen. In dying, he was able to give even more by choosing a traditional funeral and burial in the family grave as a comfort to our 92 year old mother. Covid-19 funerals, especially, have had a great impact on families and the hope is that my new collection will help heal and create a sense of celebration of one’s life.”

Martha is originally from Youghal and now living in Cork city.

She added: “The catalyst for my collection came from the idea that people are now planning their own funerals. My urns are all unique one-off hand-built artworks, and the piece will also sit as a sculptural work in the home. The option to commission a special piece is also possible, where I will meet with individuals or families and discuss options such as the use of fabric from a wedding dress, jewellery or shirt cuff which can be used to create a unique surface texture on the clay to referencing a loved one.”

Martha’s collection is one of 11 projects nationwide to receive funding from Irish Hospice Foundation’s Seed grant scheme in partnership with the Creative Ireland Programme.

The goal of the scheme is to support artists and communities to explore the themes of dying, death and bereavement in creative ways during the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more information about Martha Urnz, visit marthacashmandesign.wordpress.com.

The Irish Hospice Foundation Bereavement Support Line can be contacted on freephone 1800-807077. It's open Monday-Friday 10am-1pm.