Pyrography is an ancient art form that has its origins in many different cultures across the globe. From China, Egypt, to Greece and Peru, all these cultures share a form or another of this art. The name comes from Greek and literally translates to “writing with fire.” 

 

It is the traditional art of using a heated tip or wire to burn or scorch designs onto natural materials such as wood, leather, cork, paper etc. Burning can be done by means of a modern solid-point tool (similar to a soldering iron) or hot wire tool, or a more basic method using a metal implement heated in a fire, or even sunlight concentrated with a magnifying lens. There has been a huge evolution through the years in the tools used for pyrography.

 

This art form allows a great range of natural tones and shades to be achieved – beautiful subtle effects, which can create a picture in sepia tones, or strong dark strokes that can make a bold, dramatic design. Varying the type of tip used, the temperature, or the way the iron is applied to the material, all create different effects.

 

The natural knots and veins of the wood can be used to produce the desired effect in the design and of course, the marvelous natural aromas produced by the burning of the various types of woods.

 

Every pyrography artwork is entirely handmade, very time-consuming, and done entirely by hand, with each line of a complex design drawn individually. After the design is burned in, the wooden objects can be coloured, sometimes boldly or more delicately tinted and also, finished with varnish or wood wax.

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Many people refer to pyrography as "wood burning", however wood burning is technically done on wood, whereas pyrography is a much more versatile kind of art and can be done on any receptive surface (including wood).