Interactive Campfire was created for CAMP Festival in Calgary in September 2014, a digitally focused festival exploring creativity and culture. The piece drew on the simple idea of gathering around a fire to share stories, translating that into an interactive sculptural installation.

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The work consists of nine abstract triangular logs of varied length, built from dark stained wood and acrylic, arranged on a triangular base. LED lights embedded in the structure could be controlled by visitors through a web app — dragging a finger across the screen changed the colour of the light. The more people interacting simultaneously, the more colourful and dynamic the piece became, making collective participation visible in real time.

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The installation was first shown at the GRAND during CAMP Festival 2014, where it helped create an informal gathering space for speakers and audience members. It was exhibited again at DaDe Art & Design Lab in Inglewood in December 2014, and returned for CAMP Festival 2015.

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The project was developed collaboratively with creative direction and design by Wild Forest Inc., software development by Edward Keeble, fabrication by Bennett Stevens, and 3D modelling by Everett Robinson. It was produced on a tight timeline and budget, and demonstrated how participatory technology can support a sense of community and shared experience in a public setting.