Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice. 

 

Robert Frost

 

 

 

 

The series “Heat Of Fusion” explores the interconnectedness and cross-symbolism of the forces that shaped Iceland-ice, fire and water.  What do they have in common in this vast volcanic laboratory- the land elevated by the fire, carved by the glaciers, tamed by the ocean?

 

Fire strives upward and water falls downward, and I see them as opposing passions culminating in the same the same processes: purification, release of emotion, rejuvenation and renewal of spirit.

 

Fire is the only one of four classic elements that humans can master themselves. When we also learn to produce water and air, maybe we could finally turn the destruction we cause into creation. Nature can teach us the secret of transformation through uniting our inner contradictions, like fire and water coexist and complement each other.

 

Ice and fire each burn on our skin, and it is hard to distinguish one sensation from the other.     

 

White is both the color for the frost and the hottest part of the flame. It is a color of possibility, perfection, spirituality, light, and it encourages the purification of thoughts and actions.

 

 

 

Fire in many cultures it is a symbol of truth and catharsis. Descending water represents transmission of knowledge from a higher to a lower place, continuous flow of new ideas and inspiration. Crashing down in a waterfall it symbolizes unleashed creativity in a constant fluid shape that is ever changing and renewing. They both represent openness, flexibility, transformation, power, continuous evolution, conflict, and permanence of content despite change of form.

 

To me water symbolizes passage of time and subtly visible change in nature, and frozen waterfalls feel like the whole concept of time magically terminated for a brief moment.

 

I chose aluminum as a painting surface to convey the austerity, endurance and subtle glory of Iceland.

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