Creating a Wildfire Out of Crayons

In the American southwest, wildfire is a very real problem and an existential threat for many people in the region. To educate people about the dangers of wildfires, artist Herb Williams created a series of brightly colored tongues of flame, reaching out of the ground like alien tentacles. If any of those eye-popping colors look familiar, it’s because each of Williams’ flames are made from Crayola crayons.

Williams didn’t simply choose crayons for their bright colors, but also for the wax from which they’re made. The intent was that the flames would change over time, being heated by the sun and blow by dry winds. It’s no mistake that these are the very same natural forces that feed wild fires.

If you’re keen to see the installation, called “Unwanted Visitor: A Portrait of Wildfire” will be on display at the National Ranching Heritage Center in Lubbock, Texas.

(National Ranching Heritage Center via Neatorama, image via Ashton Thornhill)

Relevant to your interests

• You can recycle your crayons
• This water could burn