SARAH LORENTZ, BONFIRE SERIES

“In all of my work, I strive to maintain a sense of expressiveness through the use of saturated colors and confident brushstrokes which are a reminder of the process and the physicality of the material. Many of my paintings are created ‘en plein air,’ on location from direct observation. However, I am most interested in capturing the essence of the space rather than conforming strictly to realism. Most of the compositions in this series are nocturnes, and the shadowy ambiguity of the surrounding scene deepens the emotional connection and interpretation.

I am fascinated by the overlapping of memories that occurs through nostalgic imagery and how, in these shared experiences, human connection is formed. Fire conjures a complex mix of positive and negative connotations; it is warmth, protection, and light, but also destruction and danger; at times it is uncontrollable. This base attraction to the glowing flames offers meditative reprieve from unsettling current events.”