Season of Fire

Michael’s photographs also capture the intensity of heat and smoke without relying on the drama of active flame. While they are ominous in feel, the colors and textures are gorgeous. He says his goal was to create art, not to look at the landscape from an intellectual standpoint. The brain would see the devastation, the loss of life and homes, the immediate problems. But the artist sees the power of the natural world and the elegant cycle of life. “For the health of the ecosystem,” he said, “this was actually a pretty good fire.” Fire is, of course, nature’s way of cleaning out the forests and making way for new life. “My work is something that I don’t think anybody is going to be expecting to see, and I think it’s a celebration of change.”

This is not to say that the artists were unaffected by the human drama. Their firsthand view of the process of combating fire left them with an intensified appreciation for the work of firefighters. Thus, they were moved to do something tangible for them in response to their efforts. The images themselves convey their emotions of gratitude, but they have also made the show an opportunity to raise funds for the Wildland Firefighters Foundation (www.wffoundation.org), an organization that contributes to the families of firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty.

Season of Fire is at the Umpqua Community Gallery in Umpqua Bank (1063 G St., Arcata) through Dec. 12, when there will be a closing Arts! Arcata reception. At any time during the show, you can bid on two of the pieces in a silent auction with proceeds to the WFF or simply make a donation. For more information about the fundraiser, call Meridian Fine Art at 826-7184 or visit the website at www.meridianfineart.net.

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