Art without fear: Fire is fascinating to a trio of Atlanta artists

We’ve all heard the expression: Don’t play with fire. However, a trio of flow artists have found a way to do just that, but safely.

Michelle Zuluaga, Katherine Konzal and LeeAnne Biggers have a passion for harnessing the destructive capability of flames for artistic expression.

When they leave their day jobs — graphic design, client management and shipment delivery — they join a community of creatives drawn together by their fascination with fire. Specifically, the passion of safely manipulating fire to create art.

LeeAnne Biggers, known as (@ladypyromancer), poses with a torch and umbrella, offering a glimpse into her unique and fascinating performance style. Throughout her shows, Biggers preferred choices of props, including fire torches, dragon staff, contact staff, and fire fans. Each of these elements contributes to the energetic nature of her performances, showcasing a flair for her craft.
Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

(Left to tight) Fire performers Katherine Konzal (@flamekatent), LeeAnne Biggers (@ladypyromancer), and Michelle Zuluaga (@pebblespins) are incredibly skilled performers who are seen blowing fire with props known as torches during practice sessions. Despite the inherent danger, their extensive training enables them to control the fire precisely.

Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

LeeAnne Biggers (@ladypyromancer) and Michelle Zuluaga (@pebblespins) are incredibly skilled performers who are seen exchanging fire with their mouths during practice sessions. Despite the inherent danger, their extensive training enables them to control the fire precisely.
Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

During a practice session, Michelle Zuluaga, on Instagram as @pebblespins, demonstrated her ability to eat fire using a pair of fire torches. In addition to the torches, she incorporates props such as hula hoops and dragon staff into her performances, adding an acrobatic and energetic element to her artistic expression.

Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

Fire performer Katherine Konzal, on Instagram as @flamekatent, showcases her skills in eating fire with a pair of fire torches during a practice session. In addition to torches, Konzal is passionate about incorporating other props, such as fire fans and hula hoops, into her performances, adding dynamic and acrobatic elements to her artistic expression.

Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

LeeAnne Biggers, on Instagram as @ladypyromancer, poses with a torch and umbrella, offering a glimpse into her unique and captivating performance style. Throughout her shows, Biggers preferred choices of props, including fire torches, dragon staff, contact staff, and fire fans. Each of these elements contributes to the dynamic nature of her performances, showcasing a flair to her artistic expression.

Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

LeeAnne Biggers (@ladypyromancer), who began fire spinning almost seven years ago, is seen using a dragon staff prop with six flames to create a silhouette composition during her routine practice sessions. “Firing the props brings me joy; this journey has been joyful. I enjoy incorporating elements such as singing and theater into my performances,” Biggers mentioned.
Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

Michelle Zuluaga, on Instagram as @pebblespins, has been practicing the art of fire for over eight years. During one of her practice sessions, she uses a hula hoop with three flames. Michelle expresses her love for the power of fire and appreciates the risk involved in her performance. Miguel Martinez miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

LeeAnne Biggers (@ladypyromancer), who started fire spinning almost seven years ago, uses the dragon staff with six flames to work in a practice session routine. “It brings me joy to fire the props; this journey has been joyful. I like combining elements like singing and theater in my performances,” Bigger mentioned.
Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

Fire performer Katherine Konzal (@flamekatent) uses fire fan props during a practice session as she leaves silhouettes of flames with her movements. “My passion for fire is indescribable; the art of performing with fire combines movement, danger, and adrenaline. I love all the fusion of feelings.” Konzal said.

Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com

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LeeAnne Biggers, known as (@ladypyromancer), poses with a torch and umbrella, offering a glimpse into her unique and fascinating performance style. Throughout her shows, Biggers preferred choices of props, including fire torches, dragon staff, contact staff, and fire fans. Each of these elements contributes to the energetic nature of her performances, showcasing a flair for her craft. Miguel Martinez /miguel.martinezjimenez@ajc.com (Miguel Martinez)

This tight-knit group collaborates to refine their techniques using props such as hula hoop, dragon-staff, fans and fire torches, some gearing up for live performances. Others embrace the intrepid allure, risking their physical selves to pursue aesthetic expression.

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Biggers (on Instagram, @ladypyromancer) performs with a group called Hypnotix at Alta Toro restaurant (33 Peachtree Place, Atlanta) 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; and 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Konzal (@flamekatent) performs at Electro Lounge on the third Thursday of the month at Red Light Cafe (553-1 Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta). Find Zuluaga on Instagram at @pebblespins.