Woodburning Realistic People

Jo Schwartz began woodburning in 2005 in an attempt to "fix" a carved character. "It turns out, I can't whittle," she said. "But I did like the look of the burnt areas!" Jo wandered around the web looking for other people who were interested in burned wood, found a site that inspired her, burned some really terrible trees and mountains, switched to human figures, and has never looked back.

Three years later, Jo became the first person to teach woodburing on Antarctica. She was there serving as a shuttle driver for National Science Foundation scientists and support staff at the McMurdo Station on the Ross Ice Shelf, an experience she called, "the most interesting and exhilarating time in her life." Jo noted that because there is no wood on the continent, she had to mail-order wood for projects!

Jo still loves teaching the art of pyrography. Perhaps due to her own background, her favorite students are woodcarvers who want to learn how to add burned accents to their creations. She is also a regular contributor to Pyrography magazine, where she has shared numerous techniques and projects. Regardless of the student or class location, though, she builds their confidence by admitting that her first pieces were "laughable" and then showing what is possible with a little practice, patience, and passion.