Watching closely this week to see what else is in the news, Kim Jong Il appeared everywhere. All of a sudden it dawned on me that I can make a quick fun project on him. Kinda hard to find fireworks this time of the year so after calling around, I found a shop in WI that had what I needed, firework snakes. Click here for the fire burning video.
After getting home at 6pm from X-ray, I was determined to start and finish this project tonight. I unwrapped all the snakes, which was probably the longest part of this project. I filled the trash can full of boxes and wraps. I had 2 different types of snakes, pythons and rattlers. The rattlers were colored so I didn’t have much use for them but they were free cuz it was buy 1 get 1 free. After the tedious unwrapping, I started placing the pellets onto my canvass. This went pretty quick and pain free. I had just enough black snakes to finish the outline of Kim. Then I filled in his hair and collars with paint. He finished in no time. 
I had to think of a place to burn it. I ended up using my garage cuz I wanted to avoid as much wind as possible. I was a little apprehensive about the height of flame but had confidence that it would be ok. Kids, don’t try this at home! Something about burning is just too cool. I can’t say I wasn’t scared when the flames got high and there was smoke everywhere. 
Ok, I was shaking a bit as I was trying to hold my breath. As I was getting more concerned, the flames started to wind down. Whew! 
What was left is a really neat burned image of Kim Jung Il, along with some ashes. 
When I lifted it up, there was moisture underneath from the concrete that I didn’t expect to see. God, I love burning stuff! It is now 3am and I’m still writing this blog with excitement. Click here for the final photo.
till 3 am
i really admire you man
you work hard
and do it great
i really like how it ended in the floor, with the ashes
Phil, there must be some symbolism in all this–is there? I guess I’m just dense enough to have to ask.
By the way . . . do you work in a hospital X-Ray area during the day? Something you say above suggests that … but I didn’t remember that about you.
You are a genius … but be careful with fire, etc. Best wishes.
The symbolism is in light of all the recent news on him.
I do X-Ray part time, which is why I had to stay up till 3am! Am so tired!
Ah, WI – where you can buy fireworks 365 days a year! Glad you found what you needed. It’s awesome. I’m always amazed at what you come up with!
Can’t believe you did this in your garage. You’re pretty lucky! :) Great art work, like usual!
You are so creative, I loved this project. Such a clever idea, and using snakes worked out really well.
I saw this late last night and went to bed and dreamed that you and I were doing the same thing at my best friend’s wedding. And instead of Kim Jong Il, it depicted her fiance. Craziness.
I have discovered your work today.
I just LOVE the concept. Nothing left. GREAT.
This particular project with fire is absolutely fantastic. Fire and time, destruction and patience, beauty that comes from nothing and goes back to nothing, plus all the posible metaphores about Kim Jong Il, politics, democracy and dictature.
You have made a long way into coherence since your first video. Congratulations…
Your very cool and very modern.
We have to see a somolian pirate peice!!!
vhttp://www.chihaireshop.com chi