Art From Ashes was initially founded after
years of research and numerous attempts to locate artistic
glass memorials that would properly honor the memory of our
treasured pets. We know first hand the devastating pain caused
by the death of a loved one and the comfort that enduring
memories provide. We were inspired by the beauty and the
strength of a favorite grandmother’s paperweight collection,
acquired over a 100 year lifetime of travel and memories. In
response to numerous requests we now also create remembrances
incorporating human cremated remains. The bird in our logo
represents a Phoenix, the legendary symbol of immortality.
Robert
Burch
Robert Burch has been working in blown
glass for over 35 years, creating exquisite works of art in
his 200 year-old barn/studio in Putney, VT. His glasswork
includes vases, perfume bottles, paperweights, as well as
glass sculpture and one-of-a-kind commissioned pieces. In
Robert's words, “Most of my inspiration comes from my
natural surroundings, and is further enhanced by the beauty
of the glass in its molten state.” Robert’s works have been
shown in numerous juried shows and galleries across the
country since 1977. In 1998 he was commissioned to create a
glass ornament for the White House Christmas tree. In 2001,
Robert was commissioned to create the Vermont Governor’s
Award for Excellence in the Arts, and has created this glass
sculpture award every year since. Macy’s, Bloomingdales,
and Neiman-Marcus are some of his commercial clients.
Kevin
Kilgore
In addition to individual
glass pieces, Art From Ashes
is thrilled to offer the Glass-Topped Walking Stick, a
unique pet remembrance that integrates the beauty of Robert
Burch's glasswork with the artistry of Kevin Kilgore's
hand-carved walking sticks. Kevin has been handcrafting
wooden walking sticks for many years. An avid outdoorsman,
he uses only non-endangered trees native to New England to
create functional and beautiful works of art, usually in
lightweight maple. Kevin's shoulder-high walking sticks are
terrific for hiking, birding, backpacking or walking on
uneven surfaces, as their length provides greater strength
and stability. The natural leather handgrip provides
additional comfort and keeps your glass pet memorial within
view.
Caitlin Burch
An award-winning, second generation
glassblower, Caitlin spent time in the studio from infancy
with her mother and father, Robert Burch. In Caitlin's
words, “My initial inspiration for working with glass is its
inherent grace and beauty. The ability to transfer and
capture the organic fluidity of the molten glass in a
finished form or vessel is absolutely magical and amazing.”
Caitlin works in two-related glass fields: hand-blown glass
and lampwork jewelry. Her work is available in galleries
nationally and at fine craft shows.
