As a fairly new Pyrography Artist (and it’s taken me some time to call myself an artist) I’ve been searching for my “style”.
Finding your Muse
All artists have a unique way that they create their art. It takes time, however, to find that style and, as a result, every artist starts as a copycat of another artist they admire. Much like an apprentice, they begin learning the techniques and theories of this artist. This can be in the form of classes, or learning directly from their mentor. Others learn by studying their mentor’s work through books, history, or simply admiring their pieces. Learning the basic techniques takes years or study and practice and, eventually, every artist starts branching off, evolving, adopting techniques from other artists, and ultimately establishing their own unique style.
Learning your Strengths and Weaknesses
In my mind’s eye, my drawings are superb. In reality, however, my skill when it comes to drawing leaves something to be desired. As an artist, this is unfortunate. There are, however, things that I can do such as trace, and create beautiful lines. When I started doing pyrography I did simple pictures much akin to those you would find in coloring books. Tracing the lines allowed me to develop techniques for creating straight lines and neat curves. Once I was comfortable with those I began experimenting with different mediums to color them in. This continued on to more complex patterns and further experimentation with coloring mediums until I started to find my niche. Now I continue to challenge myself by trying realistic pieces. My next endeavor is to create works that look like photographs burned into wood.
The Journey of a Thousand Strokes
Throughout my journey I found many things which I loved, particularly shading. There is something satisfying about creating shadows and depth, lines that draw the viewers eye to focal points. Minisa Robinson of Woodburning University (@minisa_robinson) was a muse of mine. She inspired me, through her patterns and her classes, to create a piece with flowers and an owl.
Having failed before with fine lines and shadow I was reluctant to try again, but something about these patterns called to me. I took the two patterns and made my own design combining them together. The wood, a piece I had been sitting on from Carolina Urban Lumber (@carolinaurbanlumber) for about two years, was undoubtedly the canvas I was going to use for this piece. It was cut on an angle, stands upright, and is itself unique. After putting the pattern on the wood, I’m not going to lie, I was worried. I worried that I might damage the wood beyond repair. Worried I bit off more than I could chew. Reluctantly I took a leap of faith, and, what I created is a piece of work that I absolutely love.
I amazed myself with the patience demonstrated, the lines I drew, and the depth I created. Most of all I found that I love creating flowers evident by the fact that I subsequently created two more floral pieces. Those pieces sold without hesitation and I learned that not only do I love doing florals, but others love them as well.
The Next Endeavor
So does this mean I found my “style”. Maybe, or maybe I this is a stepping stone to what my style will ultimately be. What I do know is I will continue to push the limits of my work, try things that are outside my comfort zone, continue to learn from those around me, and hopefully create many more beautiful things along the way.
How about you? What are you good at? Who was your muse? Tag us @bz_furfur and tell us about your journey and, as always, stay unique.
