Raw charcoal drawing, 8 x 10 inches

Enclosed with burnt ember in a Shadowbox, 17 x 21 x 2 inches

Artist: Blake Welch CO

After a long summer of smoke-filled skies (the Front Range had a seemingly permanent apocalyptic glow), this cause was an easy "yes"! I love charcoal (a favorite medium), and the chance to draw with it in its most "natural" and raw form was certainly enticing. And bittersweet as I knew its source. Colorado flora and fauna are favorite subjects and I felt the similarities between the Mule Deer antlers and flames, and the similarities of smoke to the monochromatic hues of a charcoal-rendered background...all came together in a way to allow us to celebrate the beauty of life in the aftermath of the devastation left in the fires' wake. Hope. And hope looks forward.