Memory Makers Podcast: Honoring Loved Ones Through Handmade Ceramics: A Unique Approach to Memorial Art

‍

Host Josh:

Welcome to The Memory Makers Podcast! I’m Josh, and today, I’m joined by my friend Dan. This is our third episode, and I’m really excited about our conversation today. Dan, thanks for being here!

Dan:

Thanks for having me, Josh! Excited to dive into this.

Getting to Know Dan

Host Josh:

Let’s start with a little background. Tell everyone who you are, where you’re from, and how you got into this work.

Dan:

Sure! I’m Dan, from just west of Philadelphia. I originally started in the fine arts world, specifically ceramics, and got my MFA in it. My journey into memorial art started when my aunt passed away. I had heard about incorporating ashes into ceramic glazes, which is common in the ceramics community but not widely known outside of it. I made a memorial piece for my family, and from there, friends started asking for them. I put the idea on hold for about 12 years while I worked in animation and graphic design, but recently, I decided to return to ceramics and build Ahava Memorials.

The Art of Ceramics & Memorials

Host Josh:

That’s an incredible journey. I love the attention to detail in your work. Ceramics seem to be such an intimate art form.

Dan:

Absolutely! Ceramics are warm, tangible, and interactive. We use them daily—mugs, plates, bowls—so they feel like a natural medium for memorials. They invite touch and connection, making them perfect for preserving memories.

Host Josh:

How did you first get into ceramics?

Dan:

I actually started in high school. I couldn’t fit art into my schedule, so my teacher let me work on ceramics during lunch breaks. I later studied at The Clay Studio and Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia. One of my teachers, Frank Gasparro, was a sculptor for the U.S. Mint—he designed the back of the penny, the half-dollar, and the Susan B. Anthony coin!

Host Josh:

Wait, what? That’s insane!

Dan:

Yeah, it was pretty surreal. He even made a relief sculpture of me, which I still have. Learning from him really shaped my passion for ceramics.

Bringing Meaning to Memorial Art

Host Josh:

That’s such a cool story. So, your first memorial piece was for your aunt?

Dan:

Yes, my dad’s sister. The standard urn options at the time felt impersonal. That’s when I created a piece incorporating her ashes into the glaze, which gave my family something more meaningful to remember her by.

Host Josh:

I completely agree—so many memorial options are mass-produced and lack personal meaning.

Dan:

Exactly. That’s why I wanted to create something different. Ceramics naturally lend themselves to memorials. It’s a personal, handmade piece that tells a story.

Products & Customization

Host Josh:

What are some of the pieces you offer?

Dan:

It started with vases because I love the idea of growing life—flowers—in something that honors a loved one. From there, I added candle holders and luminarias, which provide a comforting way to remember someone. I also have small keepsake boxes, perfect for storing personal items like a pet’s collar or a loved one’s letters.

Host Josh:

That’s really special. How does the glaze process work?

Dan:

I mix a custom glaze with a small amount of ashes—about a tablespoon is all that’s needed. The chemical makeup of the ash influences the glaze, creating unique patterns and colors. So each piece is truly one of a kind.

Host Josh:

That’s amazing. So no two pieces ever look exactly alike?

Dan:

Right! Even if someone chooses the same color, the ash interacts uniquely with the glaze, creating a natural variation.

Memorials for Pets

Host Josh:

You’ve been expanding into pet memorials. Tell us about that.

Dan:

Yes! The pet world has really embraced this idea. I’ve been to several pet expos recently, including The Horse World Expo, where I learned how deeply people connect with their animals. Many owners keep the ashes of multiple pets and want a way to memorialize them together.

Host Josh:

That makes sense. People have multiple pets throughout their lives, so they might end up with several urns.

Dan:

Exactly. I’ve had a lot of requests for combining ashes into one memorial piece. This way, families can honor all their pets together in a single vase or keepsake.

Innovating Memorial Products

Host Josh:

Have you ever considered making a piece that both incorporates ashes in the glaze and also stores the remaining ashes inside?

Dan:

That’s on my to-do list! Right now, I offer ornaments that can hold ashes inside. They come with a stand, so they can be displayed year-round.

Host Josh:

That’s such a great idea. Ornaments are especially meaningful during the holidays, when families miss their loved ones the most.

Shipping & Process

Host Josh:

Okay, let’s talk logistics. How does someone order a piece?

Dan:

It’s a simple process:

1. Choose a shape and color from my collection.

2. Receive a collection kit with a prepaid shipping label.

3. Send back a small amount of ashes.

4. I create the piece and ship it back within 1-4 weeks.

Host Josh:

That’s fast! And how do you handle shipping something so delicate?

Dan:

I use a “floating box” method—double boxing with lots of padding—so the piece is well-protected. And of course, everything is insured.

Looking to the Future

Host Josh:

What’s next for Ahava Memorials?

Dan:

I’m working on classic urn designs and exploring ceramic jewelry options. I also want to expand into Canada soon!

Host Josh:

That’s exciting. I’d love to help showcase your work at events on the West Coast. Maybe we can collaborate on a Memorial Market table with different artisan products.

Dan:

That would be amazing!

Final Thoughts

Host Josh:

Dan, your work is incredible. Any final thoughts?

Dan:

I just want people to know—there are meaningful alternatives to mass-produced memorials. And thank you, Josh, for giving artisans like me a platform to share our work.

Host Josh:

It’s my pleasure! Dan’s work is available on Memorial Market. Check out the links below. Thanks for tuning in!

‍

Shop for Dan's Memorials Here