What is Pyrography
The word Pyrography (deriving from the Greek word "Πυρογραφία") means 'writing with fire'. It is also known as Pyrogravure or Wood-burning, and is a form of art that uses burn marks to create images and other designs on wood (but also gourds, leather, paper and other materials).
The simplest method to burn the marks on the wood is by means of an electrical solid-point tool, similar to a soldering iron. These tools usually come with a variety of tips, each of which can burn different shapes of marks.
A second category are the 'Hot Wire' tools, which allow for greater flexibility in shaping the tip, and therefore the mark it leaves on the wood.
Modern Pyrography machines can vary the amount of energy (electric current) that reaches the tip and therefore the amount of heat that is transferred onto the surface of the wood. This allows a great range of natural tones and shades to be achieved. Varying the temperature of the tool, the speed by which strokes are made, or the pressure applied, can create different effects. Subtle effects can create finely detailed pictures in sepia tones; strong dark effects can make bold, dramatic designs.
Pyrography is time-consuming, done entirely by hand, with each line of a complex design drawn individually and every tone of shade achieved with multiple passes over the wood, depending on the tonal value.
The simplest method to burn the marks on the wood is by means of an electrical solid-point tool, similar to a soldering iron. These tools usually come with a variety of tips, each of which can burn different shapes of marks.
A second category are the 'Hot Wire' tools, which allow for greater flexibility in shaping the tip, and therefore the mark it leaves on the wood.
Modern Pyrography machines can vary the amount of energy (electric current) that reaches the tip and therefore the amount of heat that is transferred onto the surface of the wood. This allows a great range of natural tones and shades to be achieved. Varying the temperature of the tool, the speed by which strokes are made, or the pressure applied, can create different effects. Subtle effects can create finely detailed pictures in sepia tones; strong dark effects can make bold, dramatic designs.
Pyrography is time-consuming, done entirely by hand, with each line of a complex design drawn individually and every tone of shade achieved with multiple passes over the wood, depending on the tonal value.
