DCOVL (Dierencrematorium Oost-Vlaanderen) is the only animal crematorium in the province of East Flanders. They specialise in individual cremations of small pets. In April 2021, I started working there as an oven operator. I mainly work behind the scenes. My biggest tasks are making the paw prints and tufts of hair, the cremations and processing the ashes. When I tell people about my job, I often notice a combination of revulsion, curiosity and fascination. I know well enough that the loss of a pet is a very emotional process, but for me it is still work. "Learning to Cremate" takes the viewer through a day in the life of an oven operator at the animal crematorium. With myself as the subject, I guide the viewer through all the steps that a beloved pet goes through; from the moment it comes in to the processing of its ashes.

Dear friends

We never really knew each other. But if I may believe your owners, you were the best, most handsome, sweetest and often the most naughty pets in the universe. You often die far too early. But one thing is certain in life and that is that you will die one day. There is nothing I can do about that. All I can do is help your owners with their grief. I promise that I will do my utmost to give them a beautiful farewell. After they have said their last goodbyes in the farewell room, I will take care of a taft of hair and a paw print as a souvenir. After the cremation, your ashes will be safely stored in an urn. I am sure that you will never be forgotten. Rest assured. You are in good hands.

Thank you very much,

rest in peace

& until never again

Nick