The Technique
Pyrography, or wood burning, is the art or technique of decorating wood or leather by burning a design on the surface with a heated metallic point, usually a wood burning or pyrography pen.
The Artist
Johnny was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he still resides with his wife in their north valley home. As a youngster, Johnny’s uncle taught him how to draw Viking ships, which he continued to practice on paper until he later progressed to handkerchiefs.
Since his Viking ship days, Johnny has been creating art for over 30 years, ranging from drawings and tattoos to wood burnings. With over 20 years of experience, wood burnings are currently his main focus, specializing in religious, Native American, and Chicano art.
While traditional imagery has been his specialty for most of his career, he is also exploring other forms of subject matter, such as business signs and wedding décor. And in the near future, he would like try his hand at gun stock carvings, depicting hunting scenes, landscapes and nature.
Throughout his career, Johnny has won numerous awards, including several first place awards and a purchase award at the New Mexico State Fair. In addition to his many awards, his art has also been featured in a locally produced, prison art documentary in the 90s.
Although his art speaks for itself in demonstrating his talent and level of mastery, it is Johnny’s love for art that keeps him searching for ways to improve on his craft and explore other methods for creative expression.
Since his Viking ship days, Johnny has been creating art for over 30 years, ranging from drawings and tattoos to wood burnings. With over 20 years of experience, wood burnings are currently his main focus, specializing in religious, Native American, and Chicano art.
While traditional imagery has been his specialty for most of his career, he is also exploring other forms of subject matter, such as business signs and wedding décor. And in the near future, he would like try his hand at gun stock carvings, depicting hunting scenes, landscapes and nature.
Throughout his career, Johnny has won numerous awards, including several first place awards and a purchase award at the New Mexico State Fair. In addition to his many awards, his art has also been featured in a locally produced, prison art documentary in the 90s.
Although his art speaks for itself in demonstrating his talent and level of mastery, it is Johnny’s love for art that keeps him searching for ways to improve on his craft and explore other methods for creative expression.
The Signature
It is important to note that Johnny does not sign his finished works with a conventional signature. Instead, he signs his artwork by drawing a set of lips with a beauty mark as a signet and dedication to his wife, Bernadette.