A woman has blended her friend’s ashes into a painting after he died in a motorbike crash aged just 22.
Mollie Hughes used the remains of Will Charman to create a seascape inspired by a view he loved.
Will died on 28 April 2023 while riding home from work, just minutes from his house.
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Mollie, a 35-year-old full-time artist from Falmouth, Cornwall, said the idea came to her suddenly while thinking of a way to honour him.
“I was creating abstract seascapes before but wanted to create something for Will’s family to signify him as he loved sunsets,” she said.
“Then I had a lightbulb moment where I thought, ‘I could add his ashes into this’.”
She worked with Will’s brother, Mike, who provided some of the ashes without their parents knowing so the finished piece could be a surprise.
Mollie said handling the ashes was emotional.
“I had to take a little breather when I had the ashes as it was such a surreal moment,” she said.
“I felt sadness but also warmth knowing I was creating something that could bring comfort.”
The painting references a sunset view Will had filmed himself while riding along the seafront.
His mum, Nicky Charman, said the finished piece “took my breath away”.
“Our darling beautiful son, Wills, had the biggest heart and smile,” she said.
“At just 22, he was a strong, tall protector whilst also being the warmest and most humble boy who would do anything for anyone.
“He was so proud of his siblings and always said he ‘has the best parents that brought him up right’.”
She said Will had been riding home when the crash happened.
“He took a video of the beautiful view before driving home to have his dinner,” she said.
“Despite only being down the road, he didn’t make it back to us.
“I will always wait for him to walk through our garden gate but until then, we will love him with all that we are.”
The artwork now hangs in the family home.
“Receiving this beautiful painting absolutely took my breath away,” Nicky added.
“It references a photo that Will took himself – he loved how the sun set over the bay.
“I think it is the most endearing and personal act of love.
“Every time I look at it, I imagine he really is there living his best life in another dimension.”
Mollie now creates similar pieces for families around the world.
“Every piece I create really does hit me,” she said.
“But knowing I’m bringing comfort to families going through the hardest thing in their lives is my biggest achievement.”
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