Beeswax, cotton cord and sewing thread
approximately 8" w x 8" l x 3.25" t
**only one is available, do not add a higher quantity to your cart!**

Portal was made in 2016 as a continuation of my exploration into combustible sculptures started in 2013. All are made by taking the cotton cordage I use in my studio and dipping it repeatedly in beeswax. The beeswax gives solidity to the highly flexible cordage, and the final form of each piece sets in gradually with each layer, then finally as the wax cools.

The pieces in this series reference ritual candles, fires and flames, and the myriad meanings that these have taken on throughout human history. Early human populations would have carried with them fire-making kits and tools from site to site as a means of survival. Like many early human technologies and tools, as they became less of a survival requirement over time, they would fulfill cultural, spiritual, and social roles, often becoming more decorative in form. These pieces are meant to exist as an extension of that history for most of their lives, however, they are intended to eventually be burned. Ideally, the burning event would occur within a moment of significance - perhaps in memorial, celebration, communion, healing, or to mark a passage from one chapter to another. This may be in solitude or as a community; public or private. The wax will melt and permeate the area with its sweet floral fragrance. The flame is steady and bright.

You can view a timelapse video of a similar piece being burned by a campfire by clicking here.

*If/when burned:* the piece will produce a large, singular, steady flame. Expect a lot of melted beeswax to flow outward from the candle. Expect it to take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours or more. It will produce some black smoke, but less than a comparable small wood fire. Only burn outdoors in a clear, safe area. Burn responsibly and safely so that the experience can be fully enjoyed. I'm not responsible for any damage or injury incurred whatsoever.