A Liverpool artist is offering families a truly unique way to remember the people they have lost — by turning their ashes into art. Gary Harper has created a groundbreaking new concept known as memorial art, where he blends a small amount of cremation ashes into paint to produce bespoke, deeply personal paintings in honour of loved ones who have passed away.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GARY’S WEBSITE OR WHATSAPP ON 07570972213
The idea is as striking as it is meaningful. Rather than a traditional memorial, Gary works closely with clients to create artwork that reflects the person they are remembering — capturing their spirit, personality and essence, as well as the places they loved, the memories they shared and the things that made them who they were.
Each piece is created in collaboration and the goal isn’t simply to create a portrait — it’s to create something that tells a story. Whether that means incorporating favourite colours, meaningful locations, hobbies or special symbols, Gary’s paintings are designed to feel like a true celebration of life, while also giving families something tangible to hold onto in the aftermath of grief.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GARY’S WEBSITE OR WHATSAPP ON 07570972213
Gary has always loved art, but like many creatives, life and career commitments meant his passion was pushed aside for years. That changed in February 2024, when Gary decided to introduce art therapy to help his patients whilst working as a mental health support worker. The results were profound, and seeing how creative expression could support healing and wellbeing helped him reconnect with the power of art.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GARY’S WEBSITE OR WHATSAPP ON 07570972213
Inspired by what he witnessed, Gary began painting again himself — and his creative journey quickly gathered momentum. Since then, he has showcased and sold his work across the UK and internationally — including Liverpool, New York, Vienna, and beyond — and has been featured in Cheshire Life, on podcasts and in national exhibitions.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GARY’S WEBSITE OR WHATSAPP ON 07570972213
But it was another deeply personal event that led to his most moving idea yet. In December 2024, Gary’s cousin sadly passed away, and grief once again brought him closer to art as a form of therapy. As he processed the loss, he began exploring a question that would soon change everything: Could ashes be blended into paint — and could that create a meaningful tribute that truly keeps someone’s memory alive?
Gary explained: “It was a massive lightbulb moment. I experimented with the process and was determined to create something that was both respectful and artistically effective. The result was memorial art — a way of quite literally incorporating someone into a piece of artwork created in their honour. It not only immortalises people or animals through art — it’s also helps the ones who are grieving.”
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GARY’S WEBSITE OR WHATSAPP ON 07570972213
Since launching the concept, Gary has completed a few private commissions, with the response from families described as deeply emotional and overwhelmingly positive. For many, the paintings have offered comfort, connection and a sense of closeness — a reminder that love and memory can still be present, even after someone is gone.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GARY’S WEBSITE OR WHATSAPP ON 07570972213
With his work blending creativity, care and personal meaning, Gary Harper’s memorial art is fast becoming one of Liverpool’s most powerful and original artistic ideas — offering a new way for people to celebrate life, process grief and keep their loved ones close. A true visionary, Gary’s ‘Ashes To Art’ concept proves that life after death is indeed possible.
TO LEARN MORE VISIT GARY’S WEBSITE OR WHATSAPP ON 07570972213
