It is understandable that making art out of human bones may be morally offensive and disturbing to some. However, the use of human remains reworked into art or religious objects is not without historical precedent.
In Tibet, Buddhists make drums and trumpets out of human skulls, skin and thigh bones. This almost jocund familiarity with death is one of the first challenges a westerner faces when encountering Tibetan Buddhism. But to Buddhists, these artifacts are not just reminders of impermanence, of the illusory nature of life; they are power tools, keys to a higher consciousness. There is tantric magic in them.
Read more about the use of human remains in Tibetan Buddhism.
In Christianity, the remains of saints are turned into sacred relics. It is interesting to note that parts of the saint that were significant to that saint's life are more prized relics. For instance, King St. Stephen of Hungary's right forearm is especially important because of his status as a ruler. A famous theologian's head may be his most important relic. (The head of St. Thomas Aquinas was removed by the monks at the Cistercian abbey at Fossanova where he died). Logically, if a saint did a lot of traveling then the bones of his feet may be prized. Current Catholic teaching prohibits relics to be divided up into small, unrecognizable parts if they are to be used in liturgy (i.e., as in an altar; see the rubrics listed in Rite Of Dedication of a Church and an Altar).
Read more about history of Christian relics.
Questions about Art After Death
I have attempted to anticipate your questions concerning Funereal Fine Art. If you have any other questions or need further clarification on the following answers please contact me by e-mail at: info@robertcamacho.com.
Is this real?
Is this legal?
Who is the artist?
How does the process work?
Which parts of my body can I use?
How do I commission a Funereal Fine Art piece?
How much does a Funereal Fine Art commission cost?
Can I commission a piece for pets or other family members?
How long will my Funereal Fine Art commission take to complete? Is this real?
Yes, I am a strong believer in the sanctity of the human body. Each piece of your body is a sacred object and I created Art After Death as a way to memorialize a part of the body that my client wishes to live on after their death. It is a way for an art patron to carry on in perpetuity his or her love of the arts and create a priceless heirloom that will be passed on for generations.
Return to Top Is this legal?
After our death each of us has the legal right to control the disposition of our body. Some choose to be buried, others prefer cremation and a few donate their bodies to medical science. To my knowledge, their are no laws preventing you from incorporating a part of your own body into a work of art. I would recommend that you discuss your intentions with your lawyer to check the laws in your home state to insure that there are no legal impediments against a Funereal Fine Art commission.
Return to Top Who is the artist?
Robert Camacho is the artist behind Art After Death. He studied fine art and illustration in New York City and Florence, Italy. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries on Long Island and New York City. His latest piece, The Bone Machine was recently selected for a prestigious showing of Long Island Artists' work at the Hecksher Museum of Art in Huntington, NY.
Return to Top How does the process work?
To start the commission process, please send me, Robert Camacho, an e-mail at info@robertcamacho.com stating your intention to commission a Funereal Fine Art piece. Please include your name, address and a brief description of which body part you would like to use. If possible, also include a statement of what you hope the final piece will symbolize, any personal items that you would like included or even a rough idea of the design itself.
I will then contact you by e-mail and also mail you a contract which will include the total cost, payment schedule, estimated delivery date and additional details and instructions. When you have received the materials, please review them carefully. Discuss your intentions with your lawyer who will research the laws in your state and contact a local funeral home/mortuary that will prepare the body part for inclusion into the finished piece. Of course I will try to help you with any questions or concerns regarding the contract or the process involved. Your privacy during and after the commission is assured; no one will know of your commission unless you inform them.
At this point you will mail me back the completed contract along with the first one-third payment and any additional design ideas you may have. I will take all of the information and create a design that I feel best captures the essence of your intention for the artwork. This design will be mailed to you to look over and accept or make any changes. When you are satisfied with the final design, return it along with the second one-third payment to authorize the construction of the finished piece. When the artwork is finished, you will be notified to send in the final one-third payment. The piece will then be delivered to you or arrangements can be made for you to pick it up in person. The artwork will be complete except for the missing body parts (unless they are from someone already deceased). Naturally these cannot be installed until your eventual passing. Instructions will be included on how they can best be inserted by someone else or the art can be sent back to me along with the body parts and I will complete the work myself at no extra charge.
Return to Top Which parts of my body can I use?
Generally, any skeletal part of the body can be incorporated into a work of art. Someone may have a favorite part of their body that has special significance to them. You may consider using the bones of a hand or foot, a rib or entire ribcage, jawbone and/or teeth, vertebrae or whole spine and even the skull. The bones are used only because the flesh portions of the body are difficult to preserve for longevity. Ashes can also be used creatively in a work of art. If you would like to discuss the use of a particular body part, send me an e-mail at info@robertcamacho.com.
Return to Top How do I commission a Funereal Fine Art piece?
If you have decided to proceed with a Funereal Fine Art commission, you can start the process by sending me, Robert Camacho, an e-mail at info@robertcamacho.com. Please state which part of the body you wish to use and also send me your mailing address. You will be sent a package by mail containing detailed information, a formal contract and a time frame for when the work can be started and completed. I will be happy to discuss any special needs or requests you may have.
Return to Top How much does a Funereal Fine Art commission cost?
A Funereal Fine Art commission starts at $9,500. Commissions involving a large number of body parts may incur additional costs. I will be happy to discuss any ideas you may have and provide you a final price before you begin your commission. Payments for your Funereal Fine Art commission are divided into three equal payments. One-third payment is required up front to begin design work on your project. After you have approved the design, a second payment is then required to begin the actual construction of your artwork. The final one-third payment is expected upon completion and delivery of your work.
Return to Top Can I commission a piece for pets or other family members?
Yes, this is an excellent way for you to memorialize a pet or family member. Animals are easy to incorporate into a work of art and need only be taken to a local taxidermist who will prepare either the bones or an entire, stuffed body which can be posed into any position according to a preplanned design. Several animals can be designed into a single piece or you can create a work of art that showcases yourself along with your beloved pet(s).
If you would like to create a piece that includes several family members (for example a husband and wife or you and a parent), please be sure that all persons involved have stated in their will a desire to be placed into the work and that they have approved the final design.
Return to Top How long will my commission take to complete?
Each Funereal Fine Art commission takes approximately 2-3 months from the time your first payment arrives to the delivery of your finished artwork. Delays in design approval and/or changes to the finished piece can add to this timeframe. Only a very limited number of commissions can be accepted each year. Please consider ordering your commission early to prevent a lengthy delay in starting work on your piece.
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