A gilded coffin lid bearing Oprah's full-figured likeness with slimming vertical stripes, The Oprah Sarcophagus is designed for a look of cultural neutrality with respect to Oprah's audience and the style of her magazine. \"The Oprah Sarcophagus is the ideal visual aid for educating boomers about living wills, casket choices, and memorial service arrangements,\" says gallery co-director John Leo. \"We would like to hear Oprah tell her viewers that a great coffin should be something of which to aspire, and that no one should have to settle for a pine box.\"\n

\nEdwards' inspiration for the golden casket developed after reading how Oprah was in mourning over the death of her 2-year-old golden retriever, Gracie. Oprah recounted, \"As I stood there dazed, stunned, crying over Gracie's dead body I learned the lesson to enjoy life but remember to slow down, too.\"\n

\n\"It might slow people down in a self-reflective and spiritual way if they were to consider their own funeral,\" said the artist, adding that inspiration for the Sarcophagus was reinforced by a headline he read in a grocery market checkout line, which suggested Oprah had only six years to live.\n

\n\"The baby boomer generation is in poor health, afflicted with obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and is dependent on multiple prescriptions. Baby Boomers should be encouraged to plan for their inevitable funerals,\" says gallery co-director David Kesting. SOURCE

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PHOTOS | LEO KESTING GALLERY