simon frend - artist and founder of dyingarts

artist statement:

The environmental cremation urns in this collection are both utilitarian and ceremonial in nature; contemplative, restrained and without decoration. They are similar in form to Korean moon jars and share some of the same sensibilities in their production. With the environment in mind, all of the pieces in the collection are made using low energy processes and from sustainable, organic and natural materials. They are designed to be returned to the environment with zero impact.

Some of the pieces, such as ‘coffee and newspaper’ and ‘tea and biscuits’ are made from materials derived from, and therefore evoking, a strong sense of life’s fond routines or rituals. Other pieces are made from natural materials that I collect on walks on the beach, in the woods or along the river and each moon jar evokes a sense of that place through its materiality. I allow the materials and making processes to dictate the colour, texture and unique identity of each piece, following the tenet of ‘truth to materials.’ Some of the urns are site-specific, not only because of their strong material affinity to a specific location but also because the urn is intended to be returned to the environment in the same location where the materials were collected, thus completing the circle. These pieces are from the environment, about the environment and return to the environment. Other works have a more general connection with an ecosystem; coastal, woodland, heathland and so on but they are all ephemeral and intended to be offered back to environment either through a water ceremony or natural burial.

The origin of this collection can be traced back nearly 30 years to a series of sculptural lead ‘canopic’ vessels which I produced. The ‘failure’ of which, has informed much of my work since. The experience some years ago of scattering my Dad’s ashes from the end of a pier in Poole Harbour, was also a catalysing event. Unsurprisingly, this was an emotional experience but it was also unexpectedly difficult in a practical sense. This was due to my naivety in handling ashes and quite windy weather.

See my whole collection in the gallery shop.

commissions:

Simon is able to take commissions based on any of the pieces shown in the gallery but is also happy to discuss alternative ideas or work outside of the scope of artwork showcased in dyinarts. Commissions typically take 2-3 weeks but this very much depends on choice of materials and the specifics of the work in question. Contact us with an outline of what you are looking for and your timeframe and we will get back to you.

artist bio:

Born in Poole, Simon studied ‘Art and Design’ at AUB in Bournemouth, ‘Design in Metal’ at AUP in Plymouth, ‘Silversmithing and Metalwork’ at UAL in Camberwell and ‘Applied Arts’ again at Arts University Plymouth. After graduating, Simon was a gallery artist for Berkeley Square Gallery in London, who sold his work internationally. He also collaborated with other professionals such as David Sheppard Architects, managed artists studios and lectured at Arts University Plymouth. He later moved back to Dorset and into academia full-time, leading 3D Art, Craft and Design at the Arts University Bournemouth. In recent years, Simon returned full-time to his own art practice and founded dyingarts to drive his mission to provide authentic and ethical alternatives, to the mass produced, soulless canisters, sold as cremation urns online.