Sindri Ardal

In the quiet embrace of the woods, I find solace and inspiration in front of an open fire. Memories of youth spent in the forest with my family come flooding back: being enveloped by the elements, the earth beneath our feet, the water we swam in, the air that dried us and the fire that both warmed us and cooked our food. In front of the fire my family gathered, preparing our food and enjoying each other’s company. I view the campsite as a primitive version of the set table, free from the superfluous aspects of modern life.

I’ve gathered wooden branches from the forest. These humble fragments of nature whisper stories of growth and resilience, each bearing the marks of their unique journey through time. I harness the transformative power of fire, a primal force of creation and destruction in order to shape these branches. In the dancing flames, these branches find new life, their essence altered, their character reborn. The alchemy of fire unveils hidden patterns, reshapes textures, and releases fragrant memories of forests long past. In every charred curve and ember-kissed grain, I find a connection to the elements.