A fire-wise yard in California

Some collectors reach for these pieces for a reason beyond looks. One in California was clearing flammable plants and mulch from the first five feet around the house to lower fire risk — and needed something that still felt alive in that zone.

“Your sculpture was a great solution to create interest and color in that five-foot zone,” they wrote. Steel does not burn, does not need water, and does not drop leaves — a piece of art that also happens to be practical.