An artist is using cremation ashes in his paintings to give grieving families a personalised and unique way to remember their loved ones.
Gary Harper, 33, started working as a professional painter just two years ago and said it was a ‘humbling’ experience to help people navigate grief.
Gary, from Liverpool, was inspired by the loss of his cousin to respectfully experiment with blending a small amount of ashes into his artwork.
He holds consultations with families to learn about the deceased and any unused ashes are returned – focusing on landscapes with a personal connection.
Artist Gary began painting while at school and developed a love for still life and landscapes.
It wasn’t until he became an occupation therapy assistant in a psychiatric hospital that he saw first-hand the profound effect art could have on people.
He said: “We would support patients with going back into the community, washing, cooking and cleaning.
“But I held an art therapy session with a patient and we made so much together.
“I was guiding her through the process and I realised how much I enjoyed it.
“A month later, I picked up the brush and started painting for myself. The piece was abstract sunflowers and the feedback I got was overwhelming.”
Gary began to paint in his free time but in December 2024, his cousin Donna sadly passed away from cancer.
He said: “It was so close to Christmas and it was really emotional.
“It guided me through 2025 and I was painting some seascapes when the thought crossed my mind I could put ashes in.”
In November 2025, Gary painted his first ‘ashes to art’ commission, aiming to immortalise the subject and give the bereaved a memorial.
Gary, who uses acrylic paint, said: “It did feel strange at first but I always like to clear the energy in the room with sage.
“I start mixing ashes with the paint and it was lovely the family trusted me.
“I always do a consultation for the loved one, learning everything about the person and what they enjoyed.
“It’s a respectful process and visually the family can see where the ashes have gone, rather than scattering them or putting them in jewellery.”
Gary’s canvases start at 30cm by 30cm for £100, but he is open to working with the bereaved family for their perfect picture.
He added: “The reaction I get is joy initially. Then it gets emotional.
“It’s a humbling experience to know you’ve helped someone through the grieving stage.
“It’s a lovely memorial keepsake. Some people scatter ashes and then there’s nothing left of the person.
With this, when it’s done, the family can feel the painting texture with the ashes, so they can still ‘feel’ the person in the painting, especially if it’s a place they used to love.”
