In conversation with designer Tania Flores

Tania, what is your opinion on classic urn shapes and what led you to intentionally deviate from them with the design of the River Stones?

Initially, I drew inspiration from the urns depicted in films, as cremation is not customary in my culture. I always saw urns in a tall and distant setting, perhaps because they were usually associated with an older person, thus representing the respect and hierarchy that stemmed from that relationship. As I began my research, I noticed that almost all urns produced were similar: tall like relics, and I couldn't connect them to my way of relating to my loved ones. They felt distant, cold like the porcelain on the floor, like respectful but detached rituals lacking connection and intimacy. This was very obvious to me.

"I don't always have a clear image in my mind, but I know exactly what I want to feel when I see and touch the result." (Tania)

How did your work on the River Stones begin: with an idea, a material, or an emotion?

With everything at once. The material was the foundation, then the idea came, and I understood the emotion I wanted to convey. It was about fusing all three elements to create something meaningful. But I mainly focused on emotion as my guide, which I followed instinctively.

From a design perspective, how do urns differ from other design objects for you?

I think that's something very personal. When you design an urn, I believe you feel a greater responsibility towards other people's emotions; empathy is crucial here. Every detail can intensify or ease the process; it's a much more conscious design.

Do material, sustainability, or durability play a special role in your design process?

Yes, of course, they are crucial to what quality means to me. You always have to try new things, and often you encounter inconsistencies and limitations that demand compromises. I want to do more for sustainability and therefore have to make decisions based on the values I want to convey.

Was it difficult to meet your own aesthetic standards when designing an urn?

A little, because I personally need some time to implement the idea I have in mind. I am more tactile than visually oriented. I don't always have a clear image in my head, but I know exactly what I want to feel when I see and touch the result. That's why I need time and do a lot of experimenting. To meet my technical and functional expectations, I am very detail-oriented. I believe that anything is possible, even if it's a big challenge and I sometimes run into contradictions. To this day, I believe I can still greatly improve the collections, because even a product can evolve.

Have you received any special feedback from people who chose your urn?

I believe the most beautiful thing is when you realize that sometimes a kind word, which may seem very simple, means a lot to someone else. When a customer expresses gratitude, it is very moving. It's motivating because you know you're doing something good and that the work and effort are worthwhile. That always surprises me.

Death is often a taboo subject in our society. What is your stance on this, and has working on the River Stone urns changed anything for you?

It's true, it's a taboo. You don't talk about it. You view it with fear, as if speaking of it will conjure it. I can only say that I learn something new every day and wonder how I deal with this topic, especially now that I'm a mother. I try to talk about it openly and respectfully, because death comes in many forms and can suddenly make us appreciate the life we have. When I look back at my life, I can say that there are things I could have done differently. But the only thing I deeply regret is related to the death of a family member. To what I didn't do, what I didn't say. I would say that founding Crafted Urns has shaped my personal relationship with grief. What I thought was intuitive was actually a long journey of my own experiences, accompanied by a high sensitivity to the emotions of others. What may be a virtue for many can also be a path to a very strong emotional responsibility.

What do you hope people feel or think when they see one of your urns?

I don't think I expect anything specific. It's very subjective. When I designed River Stone, I wanted to convey closeness and warmth. Perhaps what's important is that people know it was designed and implemented with great respect and empathy. Only one friend comes to mind: when she first saw the urns, she said she wished it had been her father's home.

What are you currently working on, and is it likely that we will see another urn from you in the future?

Yes, of course, we have the Pure Love collection, and I am working on new models and accessories that serve as alternatives to create everyday and meaningful memorial spaces.

Tania Flores
Founder of Crafted Urns from Managua, Nicaragua