The early memories of my family in Bulgaria can be traced to these prayer candles made of beeswax. It was ritual, to set an intention or keep a person in your mind's eye. A sweet smog lingering, like a ghost. Every household has these candles, to light at least once per day. There is an energetic exchange that happens from the ignition & release, a transformation of material. At monasteries, they are offered for pennies. In Eastern Orthodox tradition, candles are lit before the icons which reflect back the light with their gold or silver stature. This is a sign of faith, of hope that God will grant the help requested through this offering.

My stepfather is of Ukrainian heritage, raised in Canada. As a child he taught me about pysanky; to hollow the egg, to apply the beeswax, to dye & repeat. Finally melting the wax over an exposed glame, careful not to burn the shell, then wiping away residue with a napkin.

It took 4 candles to cover the egg's surface, dripped in a consistent layer before smoothing with a flame. The curves of the wooden stand mirror the engraved design, derived from wrought iron talismans. The history of American ironworks are commonly associated with Samuel Yellin, but have direct influence from West African symbolism called Adinkra. The heart-like image is known as Sankofa, which means to “go back and fetch it". Another representation is a bird facing its head backwards, carrying a precious egg in its mouth. This design was engraved over the width of the egg, repetitively, before smoothing the surface once again. In close proximity, these subdermal marks are visible. It rests atop a traditional kalofer lace centerpiece that has been digitally rebuilt pixel by pixel & laser engraved. [2025].