Aram Bartholl has used a combination of resistance wire, copper wire, switch, and 12V power transformer to light a candle.
A resistance wire, similar to one in a classic light bulb, is wound into a spiral and slipped over the wick of the candle. Both ends are soldered to copper wire which leads down to the switch which is fixed by a cable tie to the candle. The switch controls a 12 V power transformer. The resistance wire glows up very briefly before the heat breaks the metal. The candle is lit.
