Trufabricator Magazine - Campfire


Circa 2020-2022, I frequently used a campsite as my art studio. I'd camp on work nights and do what I could at the site, then wake up for work at 4 am and head out into the dark morning into damp, snow, rain, sleet, cold, heat, and all other forms of uncomfortable.


Sometimes I'd buy from the Ravensdale corner store, other times I'd get wood from a local arborist's country yard. One guy, in particular, understands the nuances of wood and curates the most perfect pieces for his customers to burn. I got a bunch of rounds from him as well as we were talking and agreeing about how fun it is to chop it up right at the campsite. Wet or dry, I have practiced methods.


Sometimes I burn lumber from the construction job sites I work on.
There are always nice chunks of header or many older 2x4 scraps that are tossed in the waste bin.


Burning the wood from a job feels spiritual. Sometimes the wood is old and has remained in its supportive shape for years. The fire transforms the wood into smoke and elements that fly into the air to be re-calculated into the cycle of life.


Chopping cut tree rounds is satisfying.
I like to chop up kindling and stack it for usage throughout the night.
I cut larger and then larger pieces so the fire burns longer.
Running a fire in the Pacific North West usually begins a bit wet.
It takes a routine of very small wood shavings and paper and lighter fluid and then adding and adding until you have something going that won't sputter out.


Hearing nature and the sounds of air while chopping a nice log is relaxing and I want to share that with you all in this photo series.
Chopping and burning firewood is universal.
It protects, warms, mesmerizes, fuels, transforms, and brings thoughts and people together.
Rifle through this series of fire images and tell me you don't want to be next to one!
Here are a few moments within a nice long stretch of campfire making.