DETAILS: THE ART OF FIRE
Following the tragedy of 9/11, however, Elena found the advertising world in NYC in the midst of what seemed like a yearlong pause. The available work dried up. She needed to regroup and to recharge. And just as when she was a young kid, she found the inspiration she needed within the open flame. “I am ever inspired by the elemental nature of fire, and the primal need we have for it” explains Elena. “Fire serves both our need for beauty and our instinct to gather around a warm lighted place; it is a destination wherever it burns.” Elena and her team have been creating just such destinations all around the country, transforming fire into incredible works of art. Perhaps we can all learn something from Elena—think twice about that uninspired, circular fire pit that makes it’s way into so many outdoor living spaces today. “If you think about fire features in the way we view swimming pools, it’s actually very similar,” says Elena. “We are using your home’s utilities and extending them to the outside space, effectively increasing the livable square footage of the home.” Just like a pool, fire can bring family and friends together to create memories that will last forever. Elena’s designs connect landscape and architecture on an intimate, somehow seamless level. Some play tricks on the eye. Some are so stunning you just have to stop and stare. Either way, you are somehow left feeling a bit more connected to family and friends, history, nature, and of course, your inspirations. RESOURCES Elena Colombo Colombo Construction Corp. 342 Park Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 718.399.2233, www.firefeatures.com PHOTOS. LEFT: WENDY WILSON, RIGHT: ERHARD PHEIFFER
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Winter 2014