Symbolism of Fire in Art
Class Inquiry / Positive vs Negative Fiery Symbolism
The drama or art class inquire into the positive and negative symbolism of fire. Students create their own flaming prop and write a soliloquy to present to the class.
In all types of Creative Arts subjects developing an awareness of and understanding about symbolism is important. The Beltane Fire Festival shows us that the symbolism of fire can be about energy itself and not necessarily about whether it is good or bad. The energy emitted by fire 'just is'. It is the associations we bring to the symbol that turn them into what they become. Fire consumes energy as it transforms material. It gives of heat, light and movement as energy form.
Symbolism of Fire
Different symbolism clusters around fire and flame. The images will usually depict some kind of energy positive, negative or neutral. The context of our depiction of fire and flame will influence our experience of the images. The emotions that are evoked will be influenced by the atmosphere and the words the play write authors. Associated imagery such as smoke, soot and haze also add to the atmosphere an artist can create.
Here is a simple depiction of fire used as context for dramatic imagery. The Phoenix rises from the embers and the feminine images transform as they move upwards.
Some common symbolic fire associations are passion, extreme emotions, fever, destructive attitudes, greed, hate and anger. On the more positive side the symbol can be one of transformation.
In the Phoenix picture there is a sense of transformation that raises women above their victim status.
The fire of a candle too can symbolise prayer, meditation and contemplation. The energy is gentle and inspiring. In a play the actor could light a candle and perhaps pray aloud, talking to his or her God about a need to be rid of character defects or praying about a difficult problem or wishing away problems and unwanted attitudes.
Both the Phoenix and a candle symbolise personal transformation and thus allude to the actor moving towards a truer self. In this sense image of flames can be about truth to self, spirituality, and a need to discover self and self knowledge.
It is interesting that the opposite the journey away from self and that eternal burning in the flames of damned hell for all time can be symbolised by the same thing.
Class Inquiry - Fire as a Symbol
In this an exercise ask your Drama students to
- create a fire prop to use when they perform a soliloquy
- create this from any material or resource and use it in any way they want
- they can be in front of it, around or perform from the centre of it
- they are to use the symbol of fire in an unusual or unique way
- perform the soliloquy for the class
- compare and contrast ways the fire is portrayed
Once the work has been discussed in an Appreciative Inquiry ask the students to submit a 400 hundred word essay. A possible topic could be "How Symbols Are Created."
If you use this lesson with your class please share about it on the discussion pages
