Last week I showed you a small part of my latest pyrography project, but because of the bad cold that had struck in the meantime, I didn't get around to finishing it earlier. Unfortunately, that cold wasn't the kind that made you just keep going, but one that made me stop for a while. Fortunately, pyrography doesn't produce a lot of smoke, but the little that is released can be enough to give irritated airways that extra push. Add to that the fact that I just didn't feel well, and you understand why it was put on the shelf for a while.
Today, however, I felt a lot better. Okay, my voice is still on vacation, but it seems to be on its way back. And yes, I cough like I'm auditioning for a lead role as a seal, but mentally and physically I felt strong again, and I also had enough energy to pick up my burning pen again. And that felt good! My first pyrography piece of 2025 is a fact.
For those who don't know it yet: pyrography is the artistic process of drawing on wood, leather, or other material with a heated pen. The heat lightly burns the surface, which creates dark lines, patterns, and even shadows. It is a technique that requires precision, patience, and a lot of practice - something I would love to delve into further. Although I still call myself a beginner, I am starting to take more and more pride in what I make. The feeling you get when you see a bare piece of wood come to life with your creation is simply indescribable.
Today I just burned the last details and then poured the oil over my piece. That moment when you see the oil soak in as if the wood is finally breathing is just such a satisfying step. It is the finishing touch. It nourishes the wood, brings out the drawing, and gives the whole piece a beautiful, warm look. It feels a bit like giving a piece of yourself back to nature while protecting and cherishing your creation.
My first project this year is a detailed drawing of a mother bear with her cub, in a wooded area. It was a challenge to convey the texture of the bear fur and the depth in the background, and although I see a lot of room for improvement, I am still happy with the result. I think I managed to give the work a warm and lively feeling, through the shadows in the trees and the way the cub leans against its mother. There are many more possibilities within pyrography, and I am motivated and inspired to refine my techniques much further.
Pyrography is more than a hobby. It is a way to connect with something tangible. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, working with your hands almost feels like a countermovement. You create something unique, something that no one else can make the same. I have to admit that I am also learning to be more patient, although I still have to put this into practice a lot more during the burning itself. And the challenge of applying all these fine nuances with just one tool has taught me to be happy with every little progress.
And honestly? It also helps with stress. The light touch of the burning pen on the wood, the smell of the wood, and the play of light and shadow that is created on the wood. It is almost meditative.
For this year I have set myself a few goals. One of them is to be able to bring much more realism into my work, especially when it comes to animal portraits. I am working on the website where all my art projects will soon be for sale. I also want to experiment with larger projects and maybe make a real statement piece, a piece that you hang on the wall and where you discover new details every day.
But for now I am already very happy with this beginning of 2025. It feels like a fresh start, and I am especially happy that I can get back to work. Do you have experience with pyrography? Or maybe another craft that you practice with passion? I am curious about your stories!
