Eldvarm Encounter: Catching up with Steven Spazuk

On the left a photo of Canadian artist Steven Spazuk standing beside a piece called Le Jardin de Danielle. On the right a piece titled Grey Parot.

A few years ago we had the pleasure of speaking to Steven Spazuk about his extraordinary artistic practice. Steven is a visual artist working with fire to create arrestingly beautiful works of art, focussed on the fragility of nature and addressing a wide range of our contemporary socio-political challenges.

Steven uses a mesmerising technique known as fumage, or painting with fire, and is a true pioneer in the field of this little developed process. We recently had the chance to catch up with Steven, four years on, to find out more about his recent fascinating work. Before heading into our latest conversation below, we highly recommend reading our previous interview.

On the left a piece of work where artist Steven Spazuk has painted with smoke on several pieces of glass. They are then placed one in front of the other to create an almost 3d painting. On the right is a portrait of his wife Danielle. — Danielle’s Garden & Le Jardin de Danielle | Photos: Steven Spazuk

There is something so destructive yet invigorating about fire. How do you balance this tension when you are using the flame?

Balancing the destructive and invigorating aspects of fire is indeed a delicate task. You need to be concentrated, present and focused while working with fire and always handle the flame with caution and respect for its destructive capabilities by never staying too long on one spot of the canvas. Understanding how fire behaves and how to manage it safely reduces the likelihood of accidents. I truly appreciate the beauty and power of fire while also recognising its potential for destruction. I treat fire with reverence and gratitude for its essential role in my artistic production.

Two pieces by artist Steven Spazuk. The silhouette of a woman is shown in white surrounded by gold leaf. Inside the silhouettes are paintings done with soot and watercolours. One is of a butterfly on a red flower the other is of 4 robins. — Butterfly & Robins | Photos: Steven Spazuk

You say that your work investigates the relationship between people and the natural world. What insights to this relationship have you discovered?

My latest show “Kin” integrated symbols of both humans and more-than-human beings. The series explored the fallacy that we are in relationship to nature. We are, in fact, non-dualistically an integral part of nature. Once we understand the mistruth of separation, we can engage in connection. We are Nature.

On the right a piece of artwork by Canadian artist Steven Spazuk titled Danielle 8. On the left a close up of the tiny pieces held on with pins that all come together to make the artwork title Danielle 8. — Danielle 8 | Photos: Steven Spazuk

Humans have long relied on the flame for a myriad of things, from protection to nourishment. Indeed, it is often credited as one of the most important elements in our evolution. How does the primal intersect with your artistic practice?

Fire is a natural phenomenon, intimately connected to the earth and its elements. My work often celebrates the beauty and majesty of the natural world. Through my practice I invite viewers to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover their primal connection to the earth and its elements.

On the left a series of portraits of Charles Darwin in the silhouettes of animals. They are pieces created by Canadian artist Steven Spazuk. On the right is a close up of one piece Darwin (1). The pieces are made with a technique called fumage, painting with smoke. — Darwin Series & Darwin (1) | Photos: Steven Spazuk

Your work is mesmerisingly elusive. Does the fire as a medium help you in achieving that quality?

Yes, it does. The “fumage” process creates random plumes of smoke that are only rendered by that process of drawing with fire.

Two works by Canadian artist Steven Spazuk. He uses a technique called fumage, where he paints with smoke. They depict birds in the silhouettes of a woman. — Apple Blossoms & Weaver and Butterfly | Photos: Steven Spazuk

One of our core values is Vulnerability. We are dedicated to an openness to error that will allow us to grow. Does this resonate with you and the way you developed your fumage technique?

Yes, the concept of vulnerability and openness to error aligns well with my artistic approach using the unpredictable nature of flames and the way they interact with the surface. I love the spontaneity and the randomness of fumage, and the fact that errors or unexpected outcomes can lead to unique and compelling results. This process involves a willingness to make mistakes and learn from them, continuously refining my approach to achieve the desired effects.

To discover more of Steven’s fantastic works check out his website or follow him on instagram.