Let me take you on a journey, a story that begins with the love for my own dog and ends with a work of art that keeps his memory alive. What you see above is a portrait of Rowan, my white German Shepherd. Rowan was a dog with a strong personality and a heart of gold. He brought joy, chaos, and an endless stream of love into my life. When I created this pyrography piece, it felt like I was bringing him back to life piece by piece — but in wood.
For those unfamiliar with pyrography, it is an art form where you burn wood with a hot pen. Literally translated, it means "writing with fire." But trust me, it feels like so much more than that. Every line I draw, every detail I burn, is part of a larger whole. It is a process that takes time and patience, but also love and attention to the soul of the animal I am capturing.
The wooden discs I use are 30 cm in diameter and are carefully selected. The natural grain and textures of the wood add an extra dimension to the work. It almost feels like the wood and the drawing are breathing together, as if the portrait is really alive.
It always starts with a photo. A sharp, clear photo that really captures your dog’s personality is essential. A sparkle in the eyes, a characteristic look — that’s what I’m looking for. Once I have the photo, I start transferring the basic lines onto the wooden disk. This is my blueprint, but the real work only begins after that.
Before I can even start burning, preparing the wood takes a lot of time and effort. The disk has to be as smooth as paper, which means I spend hours sanding it. This ensures that the pen can glide smoothly over the surface and the lines are sharp and precise. It’s an intensive but necessary step to get a perfect end result.
The burning itself is a slow, almost meditative process. I work layer by layer with my pyrography pen. I start with the lightest details, like the sparkle in the eyes or the subtle lines of the fur. Then I add depth by burning shadows and creating contrasts. The wood reacts to the heat, and each spot has its own texture. Sometimes I feel more like an explorer than an artist — I follow the wood and see where it takes me.
Pyrography is an art form where corrections are not easy. Every line, every burn mark is permanent. It is not like painting, where you can let something dry and work over it. In some cases, you can still correct it by sanding again, but most of the time you cannot. Focus and precision are therefore crucial.
This disk of Rowan took about 15 to 20 hours to make. And honestly? It is worth every second. I am proud of the result. When I look at this, I see Rowan as he was! He is recognizable to me. The smile on his face is the smile I have seen every day for 11 years. It feels like I am really looking at Rowan, trapped in time. His soul captured on wood.
When I made my first pyrography work, I immediately felt that this was more than a hobby. It is a way to create something tangible that captures emotion. A painting or a photo is beautiful, but there is something special about pyrography. The raw wood, the smell of burning, the tangible depth of the lines — it makes it so much more intimate.
Being able to do this has turned from a hobby into a passion. And the idea that I can help someone keep the memory of their dog alive touches me deeply. Whether you still have your dog around or have unfortunately lost him, this artwork is a way to celebrate the bond you have with him.
If you would also like a unique portrait of your pet, please feel free to contact me. I would be happy to tell you more about the process, help you choose the perfect photo, and discuss the possibilities with you. Together we will make sure that your pet gets a permanent place, not only in your heart, but also in your home. You don't have to leave it for the price, for 100 HBD and an average of around 10 dollars shipping you have such a personalized wooden disc.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Rowan would be proud that his portrait was the inspiration for this.
