An Exclusive Interview with
Marylou "Lucia" Lacoco
of Ashes to Art by Lucia™

(Spring 2003)

Q:  Marylou, thank you for taking the time to speak with me.  Tell me, who or what inspired you to become an artist? Marylou:  As far back as I can remember, I loved to draw (pencil, charcoal and pastels) and then to paint, using watercolors.  Lacking support and enthusiasm from my family, I chose other avenues of interest and expression.  In 1994, I met a man who was to become my lifemate.  Art (oil painting) was his hobby.  He became my mentor. We spent almost all of our free time painting. Q:  What lead you to do memorial art? Marylou:   When my lifemate died in January 2000, I had a difficult time dealing with grieving, as I longed for his presence.  I was constantly opening the box that contained his ashes, and I wondered if there was some way to honor his life using the ashes. Then one morning, while watching the news, an artist from California was profiled.  He did abstract oil paintings, in which remains were mixed with the paint to memorialize the departed. A few months later, I decided to try to do a painting using my loved one's ashes. Q:   What is the goal of your work? Marylou:   Once the painting dried, I realized that the longing for his presence was now satisfied by the fact that now I could touch the painting; knowing that what I was touching was, in fact, what remained of him.  I have completed 3 paintings using his ashes, so now his presence surrounds me whenever I enter my living room.  It is my desire and goal to give anyone who has a similar need the opportunity to find the peace of mind I have found. Q:   What materials or textures do you routinely working with? Marylou:   Routinely, I do oil paintings.  I use the fine ashes in the sky, clouds and grass. The coarser ashes and bone are used in creating trees, rocks, mountains, etc. Q:   If one wishes to have a painting done, what is the process? Marylou:   If anyone is interested in commissioning a painting, I would first like to speak with that person to find out a little about their departed loved one. Then I would like to see 2 or more photos of that person's or their loved one's "favorite" landscape settings that I may use as the subject of the painting. Depending on the scene, I require approximately 1 tablespoon of the ashes to mix with the oil paint.  All ashes not used will be returned, and ashes are always handled with the utmost respect. Q:   What is the cost? Marylou:   Paintings are created on white canvas, stretched over wood frame (suitable for framing) in either 11x14 inches or 16x20 inches. The cost is routinely $75 to $95 for the smaller, and $125 to $150 for the larger. The price is determined by the complexity of the subject.  A non-refundable deposit of 50%, payable by check, money order, or Pay Pal, is required.  Additionally, there are shipping costs which vary, depending on location. Q:   How may our readers obtain additional information? Marylou:   They may visit my website, ashes2artbylu.spiritualitea.net, to see examples of my work, and they may e-mail me at ashes2artbylu@yahoo.com. Q:  Marylou, I wish you continued success.  Is there any additional information you'd like to share with our readers? Marylou:   For those who may be considering immortalizing their departed loved one in this way, I would like to mention that the feedback from my clients has been very positive. A recent client in Globe, AZ said, "It's like receiving instant peace of mind." I have similar feedback from others who have commissioned my paintings. Oh yes, I also do paintings from the cremains of pets. ####

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