ARTIST STATEMENT: SUSAN MADACSI

Incinerations is a meditation on the cyclical nature of destruction and renewal, rooted in my lifelong connection to the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Wildfires, whether sparked by nature or human activity, are forces of devastation that also bring regeneration—reshaping the land and paving the way for new growth.

Through metal and glass, I explore the transformative power of fire by creating glowing objects that act as beacons—symbols of both warning and guidance. Pressed wildflowers, grasses, and other organic materials, collected from the region, are layered between sheets of glass and fired in a kiln. The intense heat incinerates the plants, leaving behind carbon ghosts, delicate bubbles of bio matter, and traces of life transformed.

This work reflects both loss and possibility. The destruction caused by fire speaks to the discomfort of change, but also to the beauty of renewal. Fire leaves an imprint of what once was, while opening space for what might come next. Each piece glows with passive light, embodying resilience, transformation, and hope in the face of impermanence.

These playful artworks are fabricated from 1/8” x 2” powder coated steel. They are appropriate for both interior and exterior installation and can be made in custom sizes. Artist Susan Madacsi typically creates these works without templates and patterns making each one unique to itself.