Memorial sound wave art

Choosing what to keep

There is no right choice, and you do not have to decide quickly. Some people find the recording of the voice too painful at first and prefer a song. Others want nothing but the voice. Take your time, and ask close family what they would like to see.

• A voicemail or voice note. Short and ordinary messages often mean the most.
• A recording of a laugh, a story or a blessing, perhaps from a family video.
• Their favourite song, or the one played at the service.
• A reading, a eulogy or a prayer that was spoken at a funeral or memorial.
• A recording of them playing an instrument or singing, even a rough one.

Getting the audio from old devices

Old phones, answering machines and video tapes may hold more than you expect. Voicemail can often be saved from the phone's voicemail app or from the carrier. Videos from family gatherings often contain a clear spoken sentence. If the audio is in a video, extract the sound track first; if it is on a tape or a minidisc, a local audio digitising service can help.

If the quality is poor, do not worry. A noisy recording still produces a waveform, and its imperfection is part of its character.

Design with care

Memorial pieces usually look best when they are quiet. Choose soft, calm colours, such as slate grey, deep blue, sage green or warm white. Avoid bright, busy palettes. A single thin line on a pale background reads as peaceful, while a bold circular pattern on dark navy can feel like a night sky.

Text should be simple: the name, the years and a short line, for example "In loving memory", or something they used to say. Leave plenty of empty space around the waveform.

Sizes and where to hang it

A memorial print is often small and personal. 5 by 7 inches (13 by 18 cm) or 8 by 10 inches (20 by 25 cm) fits on a shelf next to a photograph. For a family wall, 11 by 14 inches (28 by 36 cm) or A3 gives the waveform more presence.

Think about the light. A matte print behind glass in indirect light will last longest. Keep it away from direct sun.

Ideas for sharing

• Give each sibling or grandchild their own print from the same recording, with a personal line.
• Include a print in a memorial card or a funeral programme.
• Make a print for a funeral director or a hospice to share with a family, if they are offered a recording.
• Pair the print with a photograph in a double frame.
• Share the recording itself via a private link or a copy on a USB stick in a small box.

A final thought

Some people will find a waveform of a loved one's voice deeply comforting, and others will find it too much. Both reactions are normal. If you are making this as a gift for someone who is grieving, consider asking first or choosing a song instead of a voice.