A Grave Debate About Headstone Art
At 65 years old, Charles De Christopher is a third-generation gravestone carver, in love with the simple beauty of the monuments that once had a monopoly in burial gardens.Yet these days, he often finds himself selling headstones in the shape of motorcycles, automobiles, and teddy bears - what he calls "tacky" memorials that defy what his heart tells him is beautiful and sacred.
As the owner of the successful Philadelphia-based memorial dealer De Christopher Bros. Inc., he knows the industry is changing. Modern headstones featuring etchings of the deceased, or perhaps fashioned in a shape evoking their favorite pastime, are all part of what the business is calling "personalization."
Source & Full Story
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Comments
I think the writer has a bias against artwork on stones, I'm not sure. I talked to him a little bit before he wrote the story and he sounded like the piece was going to be positive. I guess it is all subjective. As long as there are people, there will be differing opinions on art. I'm just glad that he used my pictures for the article.
I love cemeteries and their various memorials. I also find many of them downright "tacky" and anyone in the business should have the right to refuse business without prejudice. Our stones usually indicate the times in which they were erected. People should try to add something of themselves be it a short saying, humor or wit!