"Vessel" Cremation Urn

Michael Orgel’s cremation urn collection is truly unique like no other. The distinguishing characteristic of this beautiful collection lies in Orgel’s passion for organic shapes and forms. This version of the “Sleep to The Doves Cou- Cou” design has been again inspired by natural structures found during the artist’s voyages to the Caribbean. The sculptural part of the urn is designed in chlorite; the urn base is designed in mesmerizing light colored limestone. The smooth shapes and even flowing lines of Michael Orgel’s artistic creations allow the viewer of his pieces to conclude their own idea and concept about the piece of art.

This cremation urn can be used strictly for its beauty as a piece of art and it does not need to have the base on it. To be an urn, it does need the base so you can store the precious ashes of your loved one inside.

This cremation urn is 13 inches high (including the base). The urn is designed to hold approximately 180 cubic inches of cremation ashes. It is our guarantee that this piece is an original piece of art, cremation urn. Each urn is marked with wax stamp by the artist.

Urn Series

Each cremation urn is hand carved using power tools where possible for the layout and rough out process. Once a piece becomes more delicate, only non-powered hand tools are used. Rasps are used for the final shaping, and the sculptural cremation urns are then sanded to a satisfactory finish. Diamond sanding pads are used for most of the stone finishing, and these pieces are then completed perhaps with the application of poppy seed oil and/or stone polish.

The sculptural component of each cremation urn can usually be completed in one or two weeks time (bronze casting e.g. "Curiosity" will take about one month). The urn/ pedestal will take about one week if it is hand carved, and up to three weeks with fabrication from stone tile or plate.

Urns by Michael Orgel

During his training in plastic surgery, Michael Orgel had the opportunity to treat an Inuit sculptor and to observe his carving talents. This revelatory experience defined Michael’s dual careers, and during a break in his clinical duties he pursued independent courses in sculpture materials and techniques.

For twenty five years, Michael practiced plastic surgery, taught anatomy and human ‘sculpture’ techniques, and developed his sculpture repertoire. Since 1996 he has devoted his energies to his artwork, completed five monumental commissions, and won prizes in several juried exhibitions.

Michael’s work is represented nationally in private collections, and is publicly displayed throughout New Mexico.

Artist Statement
“The observation of nature is part of an artist’s life, it enlarges his form and knowledge,
keeps him fresh and from working only by formula, and feeds inspiration.”
Henry Moore

My work derives from a strong background in human anatomy, and an ongoing study of organic form. While not as tangible, the otherworldly light and vast spaces of New Mexico have intensely influenced my artistic development. For the past fifteen years my studio has been located in the foothills of the Manzano Mountains above Albuquerque which have proven to be a treasure trove for found objects and rock formations. I continually search for objects in their natural environment, and am initially attracted to something by a shape visualized within it. A shape within a shape is extracted from both its surroundings and its context, and is transformed by drawings and three dimensional imaging into a form with new meaning. While my artwork is not always suggestive of the human figure, it invariably has anthropomorphic aspiration, and many of my sculptural ideas have originated in found objects given a human quality. I utilize stone or hardwood to carve the long flowing curves with strong edges and negative space that often characterize my work. Finished pieces in these materials may serve as prototypes for bronze casting. I also have a continuing interest in geometric form, and my geometric sketches (aided by some early training in engineering drawing) occasionally find three dimensional expression.

For twenty five years I was involved with dual careers in sculpture and plastic surgery. In 1996 I elected to devote all of my resources to my artwork which allowed me to apply for public art commissions and create monumental pieces. Since that time I have received and successfully completed five site specific public art projects. These commissions have required the creation of signature works of art, and an incremental involvement with the integration of the art work into the design of their respective sites. Over the past several years I have created individual works consisting of multiple interrelated pieces.

A series of sculptural urns has recently been integrated into my work. The concept has evolved over three years of design and completion of specific urns. The pedestal for a finished work becomes the vessel itself, while the sculpture serves as its handle. The design behind this work has followed my organic/ minimalist focus.

March 2005