Smoke on the Water: A Teakwood Crystal Light Sculpture Transformed by Fire
Sunny Jackson’s portal series also includes a piece titled “Smoke on the Water,” a mesmerizing teakwood crystal light sculpture that showcases the fusion of fire and nature in an exquisite, otherworldly form. Using a traditional Japanese technique known as shou sugi ban, where the wood is charred to a rich, burnt-black finish, Jackson has elevated this work beyond the boundaries of conventional sculpture. The result is a striking interplay of darkness and light, raw wood and radiant crystal, that captivates and intrigues.
The Transformative Power of Shou Sugi Ban
The use of shou sugi ban in “Smoke on the Water” adds a unique layer of meaning and beauty to the sculpture. Originally developed as a method of preserving wood, shou sugi ban involves burning the surface of the wood to create a deep, protective charcoal layer. This process not only enhances the wood’s durability but also imbues it with a visually stunning texture—smooth yet rugged, matte yet reflective.
In Jackson’s hands, this age-old technique is used not just for its functional benefits but also for its aesthetic potential. The charred black surface of the teakwood exudes a sense of power and resilience, each crack and crevice telling a story of transformation. The fire’s intensity has altered the wood’s surface, darkening its hues and revealing its grain in a way that feels almost primordial. This finish contrasts beautifully with the gleaming quartz crystals that Jackson has meticulously placed within the wood’s hollows and openings.
A Dance of Light and Shadow
“Smoke on the Water” is more than just a wooden sculpture—it is a living interplay of light and shadow. The dark, charred teakwood serves as a dramatic backdrop for the radiant quartz crystals that are embedded within it. When illuminated from within by hidden lights, the quartz crystals come alive, their natural clarity and brilliance refracting light in all directions. The glow from the crystals creates a soft, ethereal illumination that contrasts sharply with the dense, blackened surface of the wood, evoking the image of glowing embers nestled within a bed of soot.
This dance of light and shadow transforms the sculpture into a piece of functional art that can change the atmosphere of any space it inhabits. Whether viewed during the day when natural light accentuates the wood’s textures, or at night when the inner light brings the crystals to life, “Smoke on the Water” is a dynamic presence that evolves with its surroundings.
A Symbol of Resilience and Renewal
The title, “Smoke on the Water,” evokes the image of smoke rising above a tranquil lake, a reminder of both the destructive and renewing power of fire. The sculpture itself embodies these dualities—charred wood that speaks of intensity and destruction, juxtaposed with the serene beauty of quartz crystals that symbolize clarity and purity.
Sunny Jackson’s use of fire to alter and refine the natural teakwood mirrors the transformative experiences in life that shape us, scar us, and yet, ultimately reveal our inner beauty and strength. The pairing of charred wood and shimmering quartz in “Smoke on the Water” suggests a journey of endurance, where even the harshest of elements can be harnessed to reveal something beautiful.
An Invitation to Reflect and Admire
“Smoke on the Water” is a powerful reminder that art can be both beautiful and contemplative. Jackson’s use of shou sugi ban elevates the sculpture from being merely a visual piece to an evocative statement on transformation and resilience. The interplay between burnt-black wood and radiant crystal invites viewers to reflect on the cycles of destruction and renewal that exist in nature—and in our own lives. Through this work, Jackson masterfully captures the raw energy of fire and its ability to reveal hidden depths, making “Smoke on the Water” a striking and thought-provoking addition to her collection of crystal and wood art.