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BEFORE YOU START!

• Think about how your work will be displayed when it is finished. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Who will be responsible for mounting the work? Will it be secure for the duration of the exhibition? If it is in a public space, do you need permission to show work there?

• Prepare by exploring possible themes with the group.

At MCAC we use non-formal learning methods such as role-play, forum theatre and discussions to consider

themes in more

depth. Giving time for

the group to critically reflect on what they

learn supports them to come up with authentic messages.•We also examine the

work of other artists to consider how they get their messages across. This gives young people inspiration for ways they can visually express their own messages.

• Many young people alreadyhave visual literacy skills that allow them to sift through the masses of information they perceive on a daily basis. Projects like these empower young people to put their own visual messages back into the public sphere and encourage them to think more critically about the images and messages they regularly perceive.

ART ACTION TECHNIQUE NO.8: PYROGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION

This guide takes you step-by-step through the technique of pyrography, a process of creating a pattern, using heated tools, usually onto a leather or wood surface. It is an old techniques, traditionally called pokerwork as a hot poker was used! Today, (safer) electrically heated tools are available. Mayfield Community Arts Centre uses this technique to engage young people in the creation of public art that communicates messages of importance to them. We hope you find this guide useful and inspiring!

WHAT YOU NEED

PLYWOOD BOARDS. (120CM X 120CM X 0.5CM is a good size)

PYROGRAPHY TOOLS. WE got the tools from Cork Arts Supplies, Its good to get them with a range of tips for finer lines. They cost between 20- 50 euros each. One per person is recommended. They are dangerous and should be used with caution, under supervision. They come with a folding stand wihich should always be used instead of placing the hot tips on wood..

Extension CablesAccess to photos, online or that can be photocopied from a book or magazinePaper for sketching ideasPencils (soft)AcetateWhite acrylic primerBitumen (can be found in certain hardware shops, or a spray version can be found here)Masking tapeVarnish (if you intend to display outdoors

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Decide whether to work individually or in groups.

Stage One: Generate the design. Explore a theme or an issue together, as described in the previous page. Then, create an image to express your ideas on the theme. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can explore the issue using theatre methods and then take photographs of the theatre pieces. You can copy pictures from newspapers and magazines, using the photocopier to enlarge or isolate the parts you want. Either way, you will need a copy of your image on paper.

Stage Two: Decide how you want to transfer your image onto the wood. There are 2 options:

1)scale it on the photocopier to fit the size of wood. Then trace around the image with a pencil. Flip the paper onto the wood face down and work over the image with another pencil to transfer the traced line onto the wood. The graphite of your first line works like a transfer. (If there is text in the image you will have to reverse the image before transferring it to the wood!) 2)The 2nd option is to photocopy the image onto acetate

and project it onto the wood with an overhead projector, using a pencil to copy the image onto the wood. If you have access to a data projector you can project the image straight from your computer without printing.

Stage Three: You are ready to plug in the tools and get to work. Decide in advance which lines to make thicker and which to make thin. Select the tips for your pyrography tool accordingly. Please be careful when using the tools as the nibs become quite hot! Use a pliers to take the heated nib off the tool when you need to change it.

Stage Four: The next stage is to make a contrast between background and foreground images in your composition. Use masking tape to block off areas of your picture that you want to stand out more (these will remain wooden with the look of the grain visible). Paint a solid layer of white acrylic over the whole piece of wood. When it is dry, rub bitumen into the paint (this gives it an earthy effect, then remove the masking tape.

Depending on taste, you can apply the masking tape precisely or roughly to get a different type of edge. Experiment and see which you prefer!

To display outdoors: Varnish the wood completely, both sides Drill holes in the

corners of each piece.Use cable ties to fix the pieces to fences or wherever you have decided to display the work.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Click here for a link to a slideshow of this process