Steve Spazuk is best-known for his work with flames when creating his work; he has perfected the art of what he calls “fumage,” in which he uses a flame to, essentially, paint with soot. Then, he uses tools such as needles and even feathers to make marks (or draw) in the soot. He explains that bodies intrigue him and that his compositions express “how every one of us is a constituent fragment of the human community.”

Ornothotem is a piece from Spazuk’s bird series. The ethereal feel of the piece is expressed through the wispy lines created by the soot. The fine details found in the birds contrast well with the uncontrolled mass of soot floating around the figures. What I find most captivating is the unearthly quality of the piece and the emotion that is conveyed through the use of soft yet heavy soot on a plain background.

Steve Spazuk, “Ornothotem” (2014)

Another noteworthy piece includes The nozzel, which is from Spazuk’s “Ornithocide” collection of soot paintings in which Spazuk attempts to convey to his viewers the harmful nature of using pesticides that has begun to permeate through the food chain and kills birds. This piece seems to commentate on just that by including a stark contrast between a symbol for the pesticide and a bird, which is a symbol for nature. It almost appears as if the nozzle is a man-made rendition of a bird and the fact that it is juxtaposed with a delicate bird makes the nozzle seem like a threatening force. Additionally, the soot adds to the overall feel of the piece, which is that of foreboding and uneasiness.

Steve Spazuk, “The nozzel” (2014)

What initially drew me to Spazuk was a video that showed the process he goes through to achieve these wonderfully-crafted pieces; it seems as though Spazuk makes every mark so effortlessly yet skillfully. I want to experiment with this technique and see what my results will be; perhaps I can find a way to create massive compositions on canvas, paper, or even cloth through “fumage.” Spazuk is one of many artists who have fascinated me and encouraged me to mess around with different non-traditional mediums when creating work.