www.3ders.org

Oct 12, 2016 | By Alec

Earlier this month the iconic Paisley Park, home and studio of mega pop star Prince, was opened to the public, and thousands of adoring fans came to pay their respects to the legendary performer. What people may have not expect to see during their visit, however, were the ashes of Prince, who passed away back in April. To the guests' surprise, they were actually present, and stored in a 3D printed Paisley Park urn design by Foreverence. A tribute to both Prince and the place he truly called home.

Of course, this is not the first time we've seen a custom 3D printed urn, as several companies from all around the world are currently offering services to make them. Minnesota-based Foreverence, the business responsible for Prince's urn, is definitely a pioneer in the field, however, as they have been 3D printing custom urns for years. From ballet slippers, to classic cars, guitars and pianos – everything is possible through 3D printing. “Foreverence has helped hundreds of families tell the stories of their loved ones lives through individually designed, 3D printed, ceramic cremation urns and memorials,” explained CEO and founder Pete Saari. “Through conversation, photographs and sketches, we arrive at what is the most appropriate and meaningful expression of a person’s life and legacy. We then design and manufacture the perfect memorial.”

While their work usually remains very private, Foreverence’s heartwarming results have also been used to commemorate a number of celebrities. So far, Devo’s Bob Casala, Motörhead’s Lemmy, and Stone Temple Pilots’ and Velvet Revolver’s Scott Weiland are all remembered with custom urns that perfectly capture their identity.

The illustrious trio is now joined by Prince, whose urn has been seen by countless fans already. “It just got silent,” Prince fan Chris Skluzacek said of the experience. “Some people had tears in their eyes. It was very moving. We weren’t expecting that.” It has already been reported that the urn will stay on display in the atrium area of Paisley Park, Prince’s home, recording studio and sanctuary. The building has already received a temporary museum license, though the local government is concerned about the estimated 600,000 annual visitors that are expected to come to Chanhassen, Minnesota.

It is indisputable that this is a truly amazing 3D printed urn that tries to capture everything Prince was known for: it is stylish, unique, innovative, and different. Notably, the urn was designed by Prince’s sister Tyka and his nephew President Nelson, who collaborated with Foreverence to perfectly recreate Prince’s style and his beloved home. 19 x 18 x 14 inches in size, it is a miniature version of Paisley Park featuring seven iridescent crystals and a gorgeous purple Prince logo. What’s more, the roof of the urn can actually be removed, revealing scale model details including the main atrium, Prince’s famous purple Yamaha piano and white ornamental doves. “Tyka wanted something that would express her brother whom she loved dearly,” said Grant Dawson of Foreverence.

As Foreverence Chief Operations Officer Patty Saari revealed, it was also a very conscious decision by Tyka to share this urn with Prince’s urns in Paisley Park. “She wanted fans to feel his presence,” Saari said. “They wanted the piece to be something that folks could use as their opportunity to share their loss and their grief.”

The response has so far been mixed, as some people find urn display too emotional, while others have found the opportunity to see the urn very meaningful. “I think it gives people a chance to grieve in their own way and to have that personal experience that not many people get to have with an artist of that magnitude,” Dawson said. But it is a truly remarkable 3D printed tribute, which Prince would’ve loved.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

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