Drawing is 16" x 20" on paper. Mounted in a black frame.

Artist Daniel Diehl of Charleston 

Working with Candle soot as a medium has allowed me to develop a technique so obscure, few have ever even heard of it. Known as "Fumage" the artist Wolfgang Paalen created the technique in 1936 by passing his canvases through lit flames to capture the soot in random patterns. By painting over the patterns in oil he achieved an international reputation. I wanted to expand on his ideas and use soot as more than just a foundation for my work. As a realism artist, I challenged myself find ways in which to utilize this substance to create realistic, finished artwork. I experimented with unconventional and conventional tools until I had a palette on which I could create any kind of effect I desired.

While still fairly new to the art world, my work is gaining momentum and recognition. Most notable are three large scale pieces which were purchased by Ripley's "Believe it or Not!" for permanent display in their venues. My passion for art began with oil painting. I began taking private lessons here in Charleston back in 2010 and quickly fell in love with the creative process. I still paint but have come to favor drawing and candle soot work. I love deep contrast and powerful imagery. I found this can be best attained by working in black in white. I always try to invoke emotion in the viewer with my drawings.

I was born in Grand Rapids Michigan before moving south in my teen years. The Air Force brought me to Charleston in 1997. After my tour of duty, I made the easy decision to stay and have never regretted doing so.