Recently at an art festival in Raleigh we had an excellent time meeting some old friends and meeting plenty of new ones. As usual I was burning on site. When I burn on site I tend to get into a zone and focus without getting distracted to what’s going on around me. That is why it struck me when I got this particular question.
Do you mind if I watch you?
It never really occurred to me that someone would feel the need to request permission to watch me burn when I am burning on site. I did, however, appreciate being asked though. It was nice being asked.
Why Do I Burn on Site?
There are a number of reason I burn on site:
- Set myself apart. A lot of markets we are set up alongside laser burned products. Sure, we have our own laser engraver, our Intern, Burnie who cuts shapes for me. But he doesn’t do the details, the designs, and the flourishes. I often have people ask if my work is laser burned. People tend to be surprised, impressed, incredulous and doubtful when I tell them no so I decided to bring my burner with me to quell any doubt.
- Keep me busy. Sometimes it’s slow and I like to be busy. There’s only so much “busy work” I can do in a booth. Being able to burn on site means I can be productive as opposed to simply twiddling my thumbs.
- Meet deadlines. Between commissions, upcoming shows, or even the show I am currently attending there is always art to be made. Given there’s never enough time in a day I like to take advantage of every opportunity I can to create.
- Personal satisfaction. There’s a reason my career of choice is artist; I love what I do. From watching the wood burn to seeing the picture emerge I enjoy every minute of it. I love to see how the character of the wood comes alive, how the grain and color creates the unique canvas for my drawings. It is fun for me.
- To draw a crowd. Aside from a class someone took in high school or a merit badge they earned as a scout most people aren’t familiar with wood-burning and pyrography. I want to show it as a grown up art form. It is a medium that can be used to create to create fine art just using a different set of tools and techniques.
The Question
Back to the question: Do you mind if I watch you: No, I do not mind at all. While I burn my “hype man”, Brian, will talk to our guests. He tells them about the what pyrography is, the different between Pyrography and Wood burning, how it works, and what different tools I use. He fields most of the questions, occasionally directing very specific questions to me, while I get to do what I love: burn.
One of my favorites is when kids come into the booth. Brian loves to get the kids to crowd around my booth, keeping enough distance not to disrupt me, while they watch on awe. He’ll go into “school-teacher-mode” and ask them “How do you think she does this?” or “Did you know all these pieces were made using the same technique”. They will stay and watch for a bit while their parents peruse my artwork, often leading to sales.
New pyrographers, or pyros, as we often call ourselves, like to pick my brain. They ask about wood and tools, I give them a short-list of safety requisites, and direct them to my blog and podcast for more information. People find it exciting to meet someone in person to ask questions and see, live, the art-form they are working so hard to learn.
Back when I was unsure of my skills and abilities I used to be nervous to burn in public. Over time, having practiced, entered art shows, won some awards, and recieved feedback I’ve grown more confident. Leveraging feedback from people I admire from whom I’ve received thoughtful critique has helped me to become a better artist.
Hearing strangers comment on your work is also extremely affirming, that is, as long as you are prepared to hear the criticisms as well. So, yes, please come and watch me. I am happy to be here to show you how it’s done. Do you have any experiences with creating art on site. Share on socials and tag us @bz_furfur and, as always, stay unique.
