What is Pyrography?
Long before there was paint on canvas, pencil on paper, photography, computer generated art, or any other art form, there was pyrography - the marriage of fire and imagination. We see evidence of this in cave drawings, our ancestors decorated the walls of their caves with primitive sketches. Ten thousand years ago, people used fire for heat, light, cooking, and somehow discovered that a chunk of charcoal could be used to make drawings.
Pyrography combines the Greek words for fire (pyro) and for the ability to
draw (graphikos). Charcoal drawings began when primitive people learned
that burned wood could be used to express emotions. Early tattooing was considered a form of pyrography, too.
Charred bones from a fire were pounded into black powder, then rubbed into a design of punctures made in the skin.
The discovery of metal advanced pyrography dramatically. The tool could be heated and used to burn designs into wood instead of just making them with charcoal. Early pyrographers would gather in pubs. They would put metal rods in the fire and burn pictures on the wooden walls of the tavern.
Another dramatic advancement was the electric woodburning tool. It looks very much like a soldering iron, with an assortment of tips used to create different parts of the final design. Many artists use a carved shape, then burn details on it for realistic articles such as duck decoys. Pyrographic works can be enhanced by color, although many prefer the "antique" look of uncolored works.
The Wood Used
A variety of woods in various sizes and shapes are used, generally from 3" X 5" to 16" X 20". You can provide the wood too, if you wish.
Examples
- Oval
- Rectangular
- Round
Commissioned Work
We are happy to work with Historical sites, or other entities where preserving the past is important. Other items include wedding invitations, weddings vows, birth announcements, obituaries, photos of pets and homes, or other memorabilia you may have.
Contact us to discuss your project!
Shows
We travel to several shows in the Midwest, where we display many of our standard pieces. You may purchase them or have a custom piece done for you. When you visit, bring your project with you for a quote and expected delivery.