As a child, I took a brief stab at woodburning. My brother had received a kit as a birthday present and was willing to share.
I don''t know what happened to that artwork of my youth, but wow, woodburning (formally pyrography) has come a long way.
A few weeks ago, a new book arrived at my desk. One look at the cover and I was hooked on woodburning all over again. Now, it''s classy, even contemporary.
After browsing through "Woodburning with Style" by Simon Easton, I bought a woodburning kit the following weekend.
The way Easton presents his subject matter is simple and well presented in words and pictures. He starts with the basics: what tools you need and how to use them safely. Then come simple projects, with how-to photos and tips all along the way. He gradually sees us through making coasters, key rings, clocks, door signs and plaques. Planning, drawing, using patience, trying new objects, patterns and subjects.
The book wraps up with color techniques, eye-catching Celtic patterned border plates and appendices: types of wood, texture and pattern samples and resources.
Thank goodness for "resources," because I was wondering where to get those bangle bracelets shown off on the book cover. I''m planning on turning some out for Christmas presents this year.
Recently I purchased a couple of wood blanks in a local crafts store and sat down with Easton''s book to give it a try. What I learned is I have a long way to go, and eventually I''ll have to spring for that pricey pen.
But all this inspired me to contact Easton by e-mail about his terrific new book and get the scoop about woodburning as art.
Were you born into pyrography?
I first experienced pyrography at a young age but I certainly don''t consider myself to be young now! I remember using a pyrography kit in Design and Technology lessons at school to make a games board when I was 11 or 12. I then didn''t touch any woodburning equipment again for another 15 years or so.
Did you take a lot of art classes?
I have always loved art and design subjects, and I worked in a wide range of media during my studies at all levels. These included fine art, ceramics, photography, graphic design, printing, sculpture and many more. I eventually realized that I gained the most enjoyment from working with solid materials such as wood, glass, metal and plastics. I studied (for) a bachelor of arts degree in three-dimensional design in which I focused more on wood and metal. All of the designs that I produced featured a decorative or textural element, and pyrography has been the next step in my hunt for ways to adorn a wooden surface.
Why this book? Why now?
I decided to buy myself a pyrography kit back in 2007 for purely recreational reasons to give me something to do when not at work which was creative and rewarding. I really enjoyed using it and started making a massive range of different items and designs. I joined the UK Crafts Forum (craftsforum.co.uk) and started to learn about ways to promote and sell handmade items.
Within a year, I had a website, was selling online and was exhibiting at crafts fairs. I became a moderator on the Forum and offer my experience to others starting out.
I received an e-mail from Fox Chapel Publishing out of the blue one day, stating that they had seen my pyrography work and liked my individual style. I was asked if I wanted to write a book on the subject and I leapt at the opportunity, as I''ve always dreamt of being an author since I was a child.
I believe that my style adds a new contemporary take on the art of pyrography, both complementing and adding to the talent of other woodburning artists producing great designs today. I also think that there is a substantial rise in the appeal of handcrafted gifts in the current economic climate: I believe that people are looking to get more for their money, and unique or personalized handmade designs are definitely becoming more popular due to this.
You''ve also received awards for your woodturning, silversmithing and pewterware work. What''s your favorite? Did one lead to another?
It was a real honor to receive recognition for my designs from both the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, but the most rewarding success for me was my involvement in the "onetree" project which stemmed from a single oak tree felled in 1998. All parts of it were saved and distributed to artists, craftspeople and manufacturers to make a huge range of beautiful and useful pieces. All of the work formed a major touring exhibition across Great Britain in 2001-2002, accompanied by a book with a foreword from Prince Charles.
My design for a turned wooden oak bowl with a spun pewter insert was accepted for inclusion, which was a real honor as I believe I was the only student to successfully submit a design.
(Editor''s note: For more information, visit onetree.org.uk; for the book, visit amazon.co.uk.)
What''s your next project?
I''m working on updating my website (woodtattoos.com) as well as a number of commissions for customers. I''m also in the early stages on development for further books: I''m working on a visual reference book of designs I''ve come up with, and I would also like to make a further book of pyrography projects for budding woodburners to experiment with.
Anything else you''d like to add?
Pyrography is such an individual art and I hope that my book helps people of all ages and skill levels to pick up a kit and enjoy using it. People can get in touch with me through my website or at facebook.com/woodtattoos if they would like to keep updated with my latest creations.
Karen Gallagher, Staff Writer
The Daytona Beach News Journal