| Pyrography |
| What is it? And, moreover, what makes it different from other forms of art? Pyrography, or woodburning, is an ancient method of burning images onto wood using a metal tool. It can also be practiced on leather, shell or gourds. It wavers on the line between "art" and "crafts", especially if the images are less like what you'd find at the average farmer's market. Like drawing, it is dependant on good line, balance and skill. Unlike regular drawing or painting, however, the artist is using a red-hot pointed tool, which must be held in a manner that avoids scorching one's hand! The tool is larger than a pen or pencil, and can be awkward to hold. Add to this the difficulty of burning speeds, then the challenge of stubborn wood grain, hidden sap deposits, and so forth - and you have something that is a lot more complicated than pen and paper. An average woodburning takes hours, sometimes days or even weeks, depending on the size and difficulty of the piece. You might also notice that a woodburning artist will hold their breath when they work - in order to achieve the perfect line, not a wiggle can be tolerated! The smoke from the burning, too, can sometimes be a little too much to breathe in. Usually, though, it smells absolutely wonderful. To begin, the wood is sanded beforehand, then the design is drawn on. Some artists use pre-made stencils or designs. I myself free hand all of my work. It's just the way I am. This can create a more "hazardous" performance, however, as mistakes on woodburned pieces are very noticeable and sometimes cannot be sanded away. I console myself with a myth that God feels that mortals brag when things are perfect... so my little mistakes are my way of ensuring I remain humble! After finishing the burning, the piece may be sanded for effect, or maybe some carving added. Then, a border may be added with paint or stain. The piece may be painted or stained. Then, it's coated with a protective sealant, either a stain, or polyacrylic. It takes a day or two to set good and tight, then it's all done! |
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