lifeworks.
Lifeworks are unique commissioned paintings that I hope will help to ease the overwhelming sense of loss for anyone that has lost a loved one, involving the painting of a lasting memorial piece with a small amount of cremation ashes mixed into my acrylic paint palette. This will leave a textured surface that will dry retaining the ashes, discreetly and tastefully transforming them into a bespoke piece of art, using whatever colours of paint that you choose.
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I do not paint portraits. I aim to paint pieces that invoke memories, which in turn make the memorial much more personal to you as the connection may not be obvious to anyone else who sees it. This also reflects the discreet incorporation of ashes into the painting which will not be obvious unless you choose to tell others about it. If you want a piece that captures the likeness of your loved one, then my work will not be for you.
I undertake to work on nothing else from the time that I begin work on your Lifework piece until it is finished. This will ensure that my workspace and attention are devoted completely to the creation of something that I hope you will treasure. I will use new equipment for each Lifeworks piece, and wear gloves. Your loved one’s ashes will be treated with the utmost respect throughout, with any that I do not use returned to you on completion.
I can also provide the same service using the cremated ashes of your beloved pets.
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These pieces will be strictly limited as I am not entering into offering this service lightly. You will be entrusting me with something invaluable, and honouring the memory of your loved one will be my priority.
You may be aware that I photograph and upload my regular art work to various social media outlets as well as my other website. Your Lifework piece will remain private, to be seen by your eyes only, unless you ask for your piece to be made public. This is an entirely personal and bespoke service, and your privacy will be respected and maintained throughout.
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Unlike my other work I do not intend to sign any Lifework piece on the front of the canvas, unless you instruct me otherwise. My signature will feature only on the certificate of authenticity on the reverse of each piece, as a mark of respect.
I have added some examples here of my conventional art work, none of which were Lifeworks but so easily could have been as I either painted them with specific people in mind or else with others unknown to me in mind who lost their lives in military service.
about me.
I’ve always considered myself to be a writer who dabbled in art. Then, in February 2014, I lost my beloved mom to cancer quite suddenly and my whole world fell apart. As if the bereavement itself was not crushing enough, I lost my ability to write freely which had been my way of coping with whatever life had thrown at me since I was a child. My devastation was compounded 18 months later when I lost my much loved dog at the ripe old age of 13 when I had always hoped that somehow she'd live forever.
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After a long spell in an emotional wasteland, I began to paint. I found that it brought me enormous comfort, and it allowed me to express myself and pour out whatever I would have written in my despair when words came more easily to me, turning those feelings into something wholly positive instead. Canvases came to life, and commissions pieces were completed, and I found that they brought happiness to others and calmness to myself.
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You’ll find my regular art pieces on my other website. There's a wide variety of themes there, but the two areas of my work are very much separate. The address is on my contact page.
terms.
This service is unusual, and is available elsewhere at prices that may be out of reach for many. I want to be able to produce Lifeworks for an affordable price so that they are accessible to those who need them, but also which reflects the time, attention, and special requirements that will be necessary for me to produce something that appropriately honours the memory of your loved one.
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My introductory pricing for 2019 is as follows:
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20x16 inch canvas, ready to hang without needing a frame £100*
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20x16 inch canvas board, unframed (for you to frame yourself to suit your decor) £100*
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20x16 inch canvas board, supplied in a glazed plain black frame £110*
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12x9 inch canvas, ready to hang without needing a frame £75*
This price includes my collection in person of a small amount of your loved one’s cremated ashes from the West Midlands/Staffordshire area (within a 30 mile radius of WV14), and hand delivery of your completed Lifework piece in due course. I would not be willing to entrust either of those things to postal delivery for reasons that I hope are obvious. Collection and delivery from/to further afield can be arranged at extra cost.
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Due to the unique and personal nature of this service, and the commitment that I will be entering into in each case, I will require payment in full upon collection of your loved one’s ashes. I may have to charge a little extra if your piece will be particularly time consuming, or if you require a quicker turnaround than usual. Subject to my other commitments, I aim to complete commissions within 21-28 days.
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Please bear in mind that I am not a natural portrait artist. I will only accept commissions after fully discussing your requirements if I am satisfied that I can do justice to your ideas, which will involve my interpretation of your brief in a piece that suits my style of work and artistic abilities. I will need you to be as specific as possible, and I will be honest with you in return if I do not feel that I can produce what you have in mind.
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*Additional £25 for any portrait request.
I am willing to consider larger or smaller pieces by request.
contact.
Feel free to email me to discuss your ideas to see whether I can do them justice. There will be no obligation to proceed with a commission. I am happy to answer any questions or address any concerns. Don't be afraid to ask.
You will also find me on Facebook and Instagram as ADC Artworks, which is where I showcase my more conventional art work. You'll find my website at:
