It all began some years ago. I was reharsing an improvisation show set in a very peculiar place: it was the showroom of a lamp designer and it was an enchanted place: all dark, walls painted black and no windows. The bizarre lamps were scattered among a trove of vintage objects and, when lighted, made bright islands in the darkness. It was quite a magical place and made me feel really inspired on all accounts, not just the theatre one.
It was also the middle of winter and we were reharsing in a very cold place. The only source of heat was an iron stove in a corner. So, naturally, every time the group stopped to rest or discuss the show we gathered close to the stove. I found myself enticed by its red fire in that dark room and at some point, looking at those flames a story came to my mind.
I started jotting it down there and then in my notebook and afterwards rewrote it at home on my computer. The story came out quite easily, as if by herself. Rereading it I realized that, even if it was very simple, the meanings I found in it were quite poignant for my personal experience. It resembled a fable of old.
Visually I kept the fairy tale vibe and did my best to synthesize and simplify my signs while still creating expressive and colorful images. I specifically researched children's book illustration to this end and enjoyed doing something a bit different from my usual work.
So here it is, the Magic Fire: a piece of my mind presented for your enjoyment.
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