COVID Ashes

About

The piece was made from the charcoal and ashes collected from years of outdoor fires shared with friends while sitting safely apart outside. It was motivated by experiences during the COVID pandemic years when it was recommended to socially distance ourselves and wear masks. I wanted to make a large piece that conveyed both the darkness and fear of these times, and our need to stay connected to one another. Viewed quietly and closely, it is a monolithic memorial to both those lost in COVID.

Detail

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Making

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Charcoal and ashes from years of fires were collected (about 3 x 5 gallon buckets in total).

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The charcoal chunks were sorted and dried in an oven with the ashes.

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The prepared charcoal and ashes were mixed with epoxy and laid in the frame to set. Then the frame was masked off and the charcoal/ashes spray-painted with ultra-black paint.

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The final piece.