Etsuko Ichikawa: Traces of the Molten State February 6, 2009

While some artists turn to oil, watercolor or bits of smoky black charcoal for their creations, Etsuko Ichikawa opts for something more ephemera -- fire. The Seattle-based artist is known for her "glass pyrographs," ethereal drawings made by literally painting with the fire and smoke emitted from hot molten glass. Her pyrographs are just one way in which Ichikawa captures fleeting moments -- both in the physical and emotional world. Working with smoke, flame, molten glass, light, space and video imagery, Ichikawa has created two site-specific installations for her first museum solo exhibition.