3D Printed Human Ash

June 14, 2010

No, Shapeways is not introducing a new material (today) but I just wanted to point you in the direction of a new exhibition by dutch design studio wieke somers entitled ‘consumer or conserve’ using 3D printed human ash. Better than an urn on the mantle piece? Would you think twice about throwing away a consumer product knowing it was constructed from human ash? Or is this just totally weird?

‘birds and toaster’ made from the ashes of anne lindeboom (1920 – 1984)

wieki somers’ ‘consume or conserve’ is part of the ‘in progress’ exhibition held at

grand-hornu images in Belgium until september 12th, 2010.

For more information and images visit Designboom

Critical Reception

Mitchell / SpoorObjecten
June 14, 2010 at 10:37 am
I don’t like it…. not the way you should handle a deceased person..

Bruno Crociquia
June 14, 2010 at 11:35 am
I for one, would love to have my ashes printed out, dead birds and toasters would hardly be the motif though 🙂

Joris Peels
June 14, 2010 at 11:48 am
I agree, I would think differently if it was the person’s choice somehow.

Dizingof
June 14, 2010 at 1:24 pm
This is SICK and disgusting. I don’t see any artistic value here none what so ever. Dead people should be respected in any culture.

Aaron Trocola
June 14, 2010 at 3:09 pm
Take note that it was not Joris who posted this blog...

inspiral
June 14, 2010 at 6:08 pm
The dead should not be respected, they have no use for it.

Jon Hendry
June 14, 2010 at 3:24 pm
I like it. It’d be interesting to have your ashes used to produce a reproduction of your own face, or a tiny statue of yourself.

duann scott
June 14, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Thank you for all your comments...

Jo De Lange
June 14, 2010 at 6:54 pm
It was not our intention to offend anyone by posting this blog, if we have I would like to offer my apologies.

Marc Tyler
June 14, 2010 at 4:55 pm
Too creepy!

Michiel Cornelissen
June 15, 2010 at 3:35 pm
I think it is totally valid to post this – that’s what blogs are for. It’s interesting that Wieki came up with this idea...

Erik Snoeijs
June 21, 2010 at 10:01 am
I think I’m going to be in the ‘this is disrespectful to the dead’ camp. Art or not...

Wray Bowling
June 22, 2010 at 2:10 am
Shapeways, when I die, you might get a special order request letter in the mail.

spikeabell
October 31, 2010 at 8:22 am
I think this is cool, no different than making synthetic jewels out of the deceased’s remains. Not for everybody, but a valid option.