This Art is on Fire!

Tammi Henke
2 days ago
2 min read

The winter months bring thoughts of all things warm—like cuddling up in a cozy blanket, a cup of hot tea or cider, flickering flames from glowing candles, or sitting by a crackling fire. But did you also know that these very same things--warmth, heat, and flame, can be used to create art? Pyrography, or more commonly known as wood-burning, is an art form of drawing with fire. It involves using heated tools to burn designs onto natural materials like wood, leather, or bamboo. The term comes from the Greek words pur (fire) and graphos (writing), literally meaning “writing with fire.” Pyrography has existed for thousands of years. Ancient cultures in Africa, Egypt, and China used heat to decorate everyday items and ceremonial objects. Modern day wood-burning uses various interchangeable tips or “nibs” inserted into a heated pen-like tool, to burn the material being used. But it’s also how these tips are applied--by using different mark makings, pressures, and temperatures that add to all the different effects. By using these varied techniques, a large range of tones and shades can be achieved in the image. Also, different kinds of wood offer unique types of grain, texture, and color. Sometimes after the design is burned into the material, the objects are then stained, colored, or painted. The result is a one-of-a-kind creation with beautiful texture and shading. Below, are several amazing wood-burned artworks created by different artists for you to view. You can click on their name below the artwork to see more of their creations. So, cozy up in a soft, fuzzy blanket, sip on some hot tea or coffee, and enjoy the warm feeling that art made by fire can create!