"Keeper of the Fire" was created following the artist's firekeeping experience at a Native American powwow. Serena Kovalosky was invited by firekeeper Rick Hunt to witness and document the Abenaki tradition of tending the sacred fire during a 36-hour sleepless vigil. This began the artist's exploration into what Native Americans know as "fire medicine."

Click to view Kovalosky's firekeeping journal: KEEPER of the FIRE

The entire piece is double-gilded with a brass alloy leaf, symbolic of the power of fire energy. The gilding will age over many years. The effect is intentional to reflect the ephemeral nature of fire.

Photo credit: mclaughlinphoto.com