Why Pyrography and Why Art?

Because I can.

Pyrography, also commonly known as wood burning, is a traditional folk art technique that has been used since the 17th century. I like to call it painting with fire. It uses a hot pen with a metal wire tip to slowly burn images into any safe media. The technique heavily relies on shading, contrast, and texture use as you only get one color. It will teach one patience, endurance, and to see the world in a different way.

One of my favorite quotes from my favorite author, Terry Pratchett, says it best. "Imagination, not intelligence, made us human." It's just more important to stay curious. And what sparks my curiosity is reading, creating, and learning new things. 

There have been entire cultural eras in human history that have been influenced by art. Art should be for all to feel empowered, inspired, curious, and bring people together.

I love learning how to do tasks in a bit more analog way, which is why I'm not using a CNC or laser to do my work. I'm surrounded by technology at work, so I think I just like to change things up a bit. So if you follow me on instagram or my newsletters you will see me probably learning how to make vinegar, or growing my own tea garden, or block printing by hand, or embroidering. I like to use my hands to create and build, maybe one day I'll succumb to using technology to help me produce faster. I'm not there yet. I'll still be going out in my cottage in the woods surrounded by my books and creations saying, "Play the man, Master Ridley; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." Bonus points if you know what book this is from.