 The Spirit of Fire  Click Here for a Close-up Portrait
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I started sculpting Fire's head while taking a class in African drumming, so a little of that rhythmic passionate energy came through, as well as that of the estatic dance. It was an unexpected but welcomed aspect of Fire. He dances with a creative and healing energy, as fabric flames leap from his fingers, representing the heat that radiates from the healer's hands. Fire's head, hands and feet are in Sculpey III specked with gold. His flashing eyes are actually gold sequins. Sometimes a head just looks good bald. His limited topknot explodes in a mix of mohair with gold threads and irridescent ribbon. Costume is knit and a gold and cotton weave, with flames of sparkle-nylon. Golden circular stand. The poseable fabric body of Fire was stitched as I sat by the blazing fireplaces of friends and family on the darkest nights of the year. His costume was completed on the night of the Winter Solstice, after our usual celebratory bonfire with friends. I like to think this spirit has the added power of bringing light and a creative spark into the darkness of the winters of our lives. |
