Forest Fires

This piece was inspired by the first forest fire in the United States that was intentionally allowed to burn without immediate suppression. The decision acknowledged the fire’s ecological importance—specifically, the role of heat in triggering pine cones to open and release seeds, a vital step in the forest’s regeneration.

To reflect the natural themes of the project, I used handmade paper dyed with natural materials and drew with charcoal, evoking both the organic textures of the forest and the aftermath of fire. The materials and process were chosen to mirror the balance between destruction and renewal found in fire-dependent ecosystems.