By Christine MacIntyre
One local artist has found a way to etch a world of fleeting moments into eternal beauty. Nestled in a studio in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district, Chris Nordin, the creative mastermind behind the business Ashes in Art Glass, breathes life into the ethereal by transforming the ashes of loved ones into stunning, sculptural remembrance pieces. At the core of this artistry lies a poignant convergence—the intersection of grief and craftsmanship--where glass encases the essence of a human spirit.
The process begins with a deeply personal connection. Nordin, a gifted artisan with a long-time passion for glasswork, understands the profound emotional journey of those seeking to commemorate their loved ones uniquely and tangibly. He collaborates closely with clients, listening to their stories, memories, and desires. This intimate connection between artist and client becomes the foundation upon which the transformative alchemy of ashes into art glass unfolds. Driven to help others navigate their grief, he embarked on a quest to master the intricate art form that would incorporate the ashes of cherished individuals (including pets). Years of dedication, training, and refining techniques led to the culmination of his craft. Through this heartfelt endeavor, he found a way to merge his passion for art with a profound sense of purpose.
Nordin inherited his artistic flair from his creative parents, who encouraged him and his siblings to explore various artistic forms. “They had us all doing art, playing music, and expressing ourselves through various art forms whether it was 2D, 3D, music,” said Nordin. While he didn’t excel in traditional academics like spelling and math during high school, he thrived in hands-on classes. “I was really good at art and machine-related classes.” Recognizing his aptitude, his parents encouraged him to explore art colleges.
The mid-1990s marked a pivotal moment in the life of Nordin, a then-recent graduate of the College for Creative Studies, where he had majored in glass and minored in metalworking. At that crossroads, he faced a choice: carry on the legacy of his family’s steel business in southwest Detroit or embark on a path of his own that revolved around his passion for glass.
Opting for artistic pursuit, Nordin joined forces with fellow artist, and now-wife Michelle Plucinsky, to establish Furnace Hot Glass Works. This company would go on to redefine the art of glassblowing. Their distinctive fusion of 50’s aesthetics and Venetian artistry soon became their signature line known for its masterful sculptures, captivating lighting designs, and installations spanning hospitality, healthcare, and residential settings.
Years of dedication and commitment catapulted Furnace Hot Glass Works into the ranks of Michigan’s most celebrated glass studios. Yet, Nordin’s entrepreneurial spirit was far from sated. Alongside this success, Nordin and Plucinsky embarked on a series of ventures.
Their second business, Glass Academy, LLC, provides people with an intimate opportunity to engage with the glass world. The Glass Academy offers product classes and signature shows allowing individuals to experience the artistry up close. Simultaneously, they acquired the glassblowing facility at the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly, Michigan, founding Royal Glassmakers, LLC. This strategic move opened the doors to a glassblowing theater where they could educate thousands of eager customers about the intricate world of glass arts.
By 2016, Nordin’s visionary spirit led them to collaborate with Cedar Fair Corp. to operate the glassblowing facility at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. This expansion marked the growing influence of Nordin’s expertise in glass and solidified his role as a trailblazer in the art of glassblowing and education.
Today, Nordin finds pure creative liberation in his most recent venture, Chris Nordin Studios. Stepping away from the enterprises he co-founded has afforded him the luxury of fostering close and personal connections with his clients. Each bespoke creation he conjures represents an exquisite union of client and artisan, a symphony of experience and the virtuosity of a master glassblower. Special commissions, each reflecting clients’ styles and ideas are married with Nordin’s expertise and design aesthetic and includes a variety of finished items: chandeliers, wall art, landscape art, or artwork for specific nooks or surfaces in the home or office.
Nordin’s portfolio has always emphasized one-of-a-kind projects exemplified by his remarkable designs adorning the chapel at Mott Children’s Hospital. With his wife and son, Jacob, running and managing the Glass Academy Nordin can wholeheartedly concentrate on his ambitious endeavors.
Within the confines of his studio, Nordin breathes life into his imaginative visions using a diverse array of mediums from the ethereal beauty of glass to the rugged charm of forged steel, the precision of metal fabrication, and the timeless allure of wood. He utilizes mood, light, and color to create pieces that enhance spaces, portray specific characteristics or emotions, and bring clients’ visions to life. In this haven of artistic ingenuity, he continues to be a maestro of creativity and craftsmanship as he pushes the limits of traditional art forms.
Inspired by a desire to help others encapsulate the essence of their loved ones in glass, he established Ashes in Art Glass. This heartwarming endeavor embodies his artistic evolution marking a transition from functional art to profoundly meaningful remembrance leaving an enduring legacy and a testament to the profound impact of artistry on countless lives.
For Nordin, Ashes in Art Glass is the most passionate of all his ventures. “It’s so important. It’s a super cool experience with every client,” said Nordin. “I feel so gratified being able to make people feel so good—making their memories of loved ones everlasting in a piece of glass.” In the intricate journey of crafting these sculptural remembrance pieces, every step (from the delicate handling of ashes to the glass-blending process, where temperatures mirror the intensity of heartfelt emotions) is a meticulous fusion of art and science. The outcome? Truly captivating, one-of-a-kind creations that beautifully encapsulate the cherished memories of loved ones–preserving their essence, life, love, and enduring legacy.
Nordin’s craftsmanship is marked by a diverse array of designs and styles, illustrating the versatility of his art. While glass lies at the heart of these creations, Nordin emphasizes that they’re more than mere glass. “Glass components encase the ash, but they’re also metal and wood. They’re sculptures with a glass component.”
The possibilities are limitless—from glass urns and vases to botanical sculptures, glass waves, horseshoes, and even spaceships–each bearing the ashes lovingly embedded within the glass. “I love that there’s such an eclectic difference between the different levels of sculptures,” Nordin said. “Maybe your wife spent a lot of time in the woods; let’s talk about something like a really cool piece that’s a branch with beautiful leaves that reminds us of that.” Remembrance glass art can also include memorializing departed pets and specific events in a client’s life, such as losing a beloved house to a fire.
In this collaborative process, the foundational memorial piece, known as the memory sphere, is deliberately distinct from traditional glass paperweights. They’re designed to honor the memory of loved ones with the dignity they deserve and offer the flexibility of carrying them, holding them, and feeling the perfectly smooth, round surface–infinite like the memories they have. “I love the memory sphere because it’s simple and affordable, but also, I can make them relatively quickly compared to some of the other designs. People are often eager to have their loved ones near them sooner than later.”
Ashes in Glass is not merely a workshop; it’s a sanctuary for those navigating the complex terrain of grief. Nordin provides a compassionate space where clients can find solace, healing, and a sense of closure through the artistic journey. “I want to make amazing experiences for my clients. Instead of someone feeling like they’re supporting me by buying my art, I want to support them, and help make things okay for them through my art.”
The consultation phase is crucial to understanding how clients connect with and remember their loved ones. At the core of this process is open dialogue, as Nordin listens to clients’ stories, memories, and emotions, ultimately transforming those heartfelt conversations into creative ideas. This intensely personal approach ensures that every piece is a unique tribute to those who’ve passed, resonating with a loved one’s memory. “Talking to the client is the key to the whole process. Other places are just a catalog where you poke your finger at a piece you think you want. There’s no mojo in that; there’s no true love,” he said.
Nordin said that taking his time with each client in an unrushed conversation is the best approach to his business. “It’s about the experience. I love making pieces that will blow people away and make them smile and become a part of their lives.”
Creating glass art designs with clients’ loved ones’ ashes entails significant ethical considerations. As an artist, Nordin sensitively handles ashes, ensuring he is mindful of emotional well-being. The quality and durability of his designs align with the high standards he holds for himself—he treats every piece as if it contains his loved ones’ ashes. His pieces align with clients’ memorialization intent, as expectations vary from person to person. Cultural and religious beliefs are factors as are desires for design, color, and use. This unique art form carries deep emotional weight, demanding utmost care, respect, and ethical conduct from start to finish.
Once he receives the ashes, Nordin embarks on a profound journey intimately connected to the client’s loved one. He explained, “I’ve already consulted with the client about who we’re going to memorialize, and I know that person in my mind. I try to give that memory its own piece of time while I’m creating.” A profoundly spiritual individual, he infuses every piece with positive energy, ensuring the utmost reverence throughout the creative process.
The work is far from hurried; it’s a deliberate, intentional, labor of love. Nordin emphasized that he doesn’t produce these pieces while jamming to Led Zeppelin or amid distractions. Instead, he meticulously schedules his work during moments of solitude in the studio, where tranquility reigns, allowing him to concentrate and pour his heart into crafting a significant experience for himself and the clients he serves.
Incorporating ashes into art glass leaves an indelible mark on the art world and the concept of remembrance. This innovative approach challenges traditional mediums blurring the lines between art and the deeply personal. It offers a unique dimension to creative expression reflecting the evolving nature of art.
Ashes in Art Glass profoundly influences how people remember and commemorate loved ones, bridging the gap between the past and present. It transforms grief into a therapeutic outlet, fostering healing and closure. Nordin’s powerful art form demonstrates how art can serve as a vehicle for emotion, preserving cherished memories and bringing solace to those who seek it. Ashes in Art Glass is a testament to artistic skill and the power of transforming personal tragedy into comfort and reassurance, introducing a transformative element to art and remembrance, and catering to niche audiences seeking personalized, emotionally resonant creations.
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