The master of the flame

The works by Steven Spazuk are one of the kind. His unique technique, which he developed during the past 12 years, allows him to use the flame of a candle or the flame of a torch as a pencil to create his paintings with trails of soot. Using various tools, he intuitively sculpt the plumes of soot left behind in response to the shapes that appear on the canvas.

Spontaneity and chance are the heart and soul of his creative process. Spazuk opens himself to the experience. This in-the-moment creative practice coupled with the fluidity of the soot, creates a torrent of images, shadows and light. 

Spazuk often works piece by piece, collecting a multitude of unique elements that he assembles into mosaics. You can see it. But the pieces create a whole image so naturally! Black and white portraits leave people's emotions bare, in my opinion. Especially if they were made by fire. Take a look!