The Bonds Unburnt exhibition is meant to embody the connections we have with other people, and relate those connections to the tragic California fires of 2018. The exhibition attempts to express our horror at the tragic Camp and Mendocino Complex Fires of last year. One of the main ideas for this exhibition is the Japanese colored string of fate legend. It states that we are each connected to another person, whom we are destined to meet, with an invisible red string. The artists selected orange cord to symbolize the fires and our connection to those affected. The installation becomes a powerful symbol of the fact that most of us will unfortunately experience a natural disaster within our lifetime. Each time we witness or experience a major catastrophe, we feel a connection to the people affected.

After a major fire, the atmosphere itself becomes a constant reminder of the tragedy that took place in part due by the overwhelming smell of smoke. That smell lingers for months, and leaves the affected area a health hazard long after the flames are extinguished, and even clings to clothing, so that reminder travels with you. By recreating a scent in the ART KIOSK atmosphere, Bonds Unburnt hopes to strengthen the theme of connection by giving the audience some semblance of what experiencing the fires was like.

Strings are used as a symbol of the fires combined with charred wood and personal items from the artists and donations from Redwood City residents. These elements comprise the main sculptural hourglass form. The sculpture consumes the space by being 12 feet high and 6 feet in diameter. Two rings of steel create the top and bottom form.  A smaller ring in nestled in the middle. Many strings connect the three rings and creates a basket in the middle of the hourglass that holds personal items above and the charred wood below on the ground. The wood element was carefully transported from the site of the Rim fire near Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite, 2013.  Luckily there were no fatalities in that fire. The three artists use light to enhance the exhibitions mood after dark by creating anti-shadows: light seen through the string from the outside. The orange light flickers and dances through the air like fireflies but sadly are more reminiscent to dangerous floating embers.

The donated personal items are things which are considered unique to our own lives. We all feel very sad when thinking about the tragedy and the personal effects represent our sense of community being tied together from compassion and a sense of community.  We hope Bonds Unburnt will somehow help those suffering and be a reminder to remain vigilant in fire prevention and for all of us to be grateful for all first responders who risk their lives for each of us.