Le Pyrocumulus

Le Pyrocumulus forms part of my Parlour Games Series, which investigates the limits of what is considered appropriate in the art we showcase in our homes through motifs, palettes, and degrees of visual disorder.

A pyrocumulus cloud, also known as a fire cloud, is a dense cumuliform cloud associated with fire or volcanic eruptions. I chose this title because the arrangement of the lichens in this piece calls to mind the tornado-like towers of forest fire smoke I see every year in the Rocky Mountains.

I believe that we should incorporate the untamed elements of nature into our daily spaces, rather than just displaying the cultivated elements that have been shaped by human hands. The vibrant colors and lacy forms of the lichens motifs in this piece evoke the beauty of garden flowers, yet these humble organisms are often overlooked, undervalued, and stepped upon. Le Pyrocumulus serves as a powerful reminder to recognize and embrace the diverse beauty and fragility present throughout nature – from the wild and extraordinary to the simple and unassuming.