I started playing with fire years ago
and didn’t know it was actually an ancient technique.
Charring wood was a process I thought that I made up 20 years ago, while working on a series of figurative wood sculptures.
I had my welding equipment, So I thought why not???
Not quite “Hey watch this!” :)
but I did have some experiences that needed the fire extinguisher.
I used my oxyacetylene torch to burn the sculptures,
1. Because I sculpted aspens logs, depending on the grain direction
I often had “fuzz”, that sanding didn’t get smooth.
2. It gave a depth to my textures and colors as I worked them up to their final finishes.
Charring wood was invented by the Japanese centuries ago
and called “Shou Sugi Ban “ or “Yakisugi”.
In the early 2000’s the process was “rediscovered”
by architects and designers in Europe and North America.
The idea is to burn the surface of wood to varying degrees.
The charred surface is then rot resistant, weather,
UV and fire resistant,
in addition to the aesthetic beauty .
I continue to use this process on much of my work.
I love this as a first step.
It adds a level that draws you in to the texture.
Until next time
keep the fires burning
and
"Live Creatively"
xx
Andrea
