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As one of the last group events to take place in my studio at the Rossmor, this was both a pyrotechnic demonstration and an effort to dance the demon of gentrification out of the building (if it left, it also returned).

Hundreds of pieces of flint, each about a quarter of an inch long, were made unstable by heating with a torch in an insulated metal bowl. Once glowing a dull red, the flint was scattered on the floor for participants to kick and step on. When flint is heated and impacted in this way, it frequently splits into smaller pieces, sizzling and sparking madly to create a crude senko hanabi, or branching firework.

Note: Never try this effect while wearing tattered jeans, particularly with frayed pant hems.

Performance Artist

Portrait of Stephen Rife
Our House
Underground
The Serpent's Egg
Demonstration w/non-dairy creamer
The Anxious Substrate
Demonstration with Ladder and Flammable Dust
Lantern
Performance w/handheld mortar
Firebreathing
Fire Vortex Prototype
Demonstration w/Plant Matter & Lawn Tools
Song of Late Summer
Fireshovel
Fireshovel (detail)
Ritual Burning of Fireshovel Comments
Gravedance (prep)
Gravedance
Secrets of the Nest
Firebag prototype
To Burn, Not Bury
New Year's Gate
The Battle for St. Paul
Raindial
Firebag Demonstration w/Gerb
Firedance prep.
Firedance
Firedance (spinning)
The Book of Life
Fire display w/paraffin, paper & welding gas
Horseplay
New Year's Eve Lampshade
Offering to Stromboli
Autumn Fire Rite with Pinedust
Autumn Fire Rite with Pinedust
Firefilm
Fireball
Fireball (detail)
Wax Paper Juggling
Demonstration with Steel Wool and Headpiece
Firebasket Demonstration
Firebasket Detail
Firebox Demonstration
Street performance w/firecans & mower
FIRE WALL AND WATER BASIN (jury selection)
Smoking Word
Smoking Word (participants)
The Tree of Light
Flint Dance
Fire Shovel
Sunflower (test)
Flame Relay in Cracks
The Ice Knife
The Ice Knife (detail)
The Darshanty
Thanksgiving Prelude
Launch
Carbonera
Smell Piece
Entry
Partial Document of Performance
Monofilm (installation before ignition)
Monofilm (fire stage)
Roman Signer Tribute
David
Streetlamp
Reprise: Signer's Suitcase
Yves Klein Tribute: Return of the Sun
Projection