For the last 11 years my media of choice has been fireworks. Collectively, I refer to this body of work as “pyroglyphs” which translates into “firewriting”. Pyroglyphs are created with colored smoke and firework trails from commercially available fireworks such as smoke balls, jumping jacks, and ground bloom flowers. These are used as my paint. Traditionally and historically, fireworks have been ubiquitous as a vehicle for celebration of our life experiences. Through working on paper I am gathering the temporal finiteness of the celebration into a physical creation. It is a process that exchanges the memory experience for a visual and tangible permanence. The volatile nature of fireworks contains elements of chance, unpredictability, and chaos which I regard as qualities to be embraced. Elements of action and movement are defined by multiple oxidation marks and these seemingly random burn marks suggest an imagery of vast spacescapes – orbiting celestial bodies and newly-born expanding galaxies. In my art, such a harnessed power of controlled spontaneity lends itself to my own personal interpretation of color poetry. The process of translating and reshaping an impalpable festivity onto a corporeal surface not only pays tribute to the event itself, but more importantly, honors the attendees. Pyroglyphs have become my way of celebrating the artists, scientists, musicians, lawmakers, and the families that have shaped my life. Therein is found my joy – a gift to the givers.

CONTACT INFORMATION: fireworkartist@gmail.com
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