Read this Wildlife Art Journal article

Defined in traditional terms, pyrography is the art of drawing with fire; using a heated tip or wire to burn or scorch designs onto natural surfaces such as wood and leather. This craft was practiced by a number of cultures including the Egyptians and some African tribes since the dawn of recorded time. In the late 19th Century, Melbourne architect Alfred Smart discovered a way to pump benzoline fumes through a heated hollow platinum pencil in order to improve upon the poker work process and allowing the addition of tinting and shading that previously were impossible.

In the early 20th century, the development of the electric pyrographic hot wire wood etching machine further automated the process.

Modern day pyrography is typically done with solid-point tools, which resemble but are more sophisticated than soldering irons or hot wire tools. These tools resemble a stylus and are electrically heated by equipment that may allow temperatures to be adjusted, thereby producing a great range of natural tones and shades.



Borrowing from this ancient craft I attempt to portray the natural world in fresh ways to express my profound appreciation of animals.

The inspiration for my work entitled The Best Defense took shape last year while on an early spring trip to Montana during a three-day artist reception at a gallery near Livingston.  I seized the opportunity while there to travel a short distance each morning bright and early to visit Yellowstone National Park.  Having never really ventured...