Scratch. Crack. Fizzle. Roar. Splutter. Pop. Hiss. Hum. The match strikes.
And, with the promising whiff of sulphur dioxide, we bring light into the world.
We light candles to brighten darkness. We light them for comfort and solace. We light them to bring focus and attention, to mark a shift in mood or intention. We light them to honour the living and remember the dead. A flickering light in the darkness is a sign of hope; a portal to other realms.
Candles symbolize peace, truth and enlightenment. To light a candle is a ritual act that connects us across time and place. We can hold fire momentarily in our hands and thereafter it holds us.
‘A Scottish Enlightenment’ is a group show of candlesticks at Bard this winter, by makers and artists living and working all over Scotland.
A Scottish Enlightenment is on show at Bard in Leith from Friday 15th November until Sunday 22nd December 2024.
Open 11-5pm, Friday to Sunday and otherwise by appointment.
