Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Anderson
Hi Amber, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As it sat, it lingered in my thoughts and I continued to think about what I wanted to create. I finally came up with the perfect idea for my first pyrography piece, and the gumption to open that package May 2017.
The project was near and dear to my heart. It was going to be an urn for my dad, who passed in 2014. Not only did I struggle with his loss, but I also struggled with what type of container to put his ashes in. I wanted one that would represent him well, as we all do for our loved ones. He was the best dad I could ask for, he was clever, he was funny, he was a character. He definitely was not a fancy urn guy. He was down to earth, enjoyed nature, a cold beer, and the simple pleasures in life. He was a carpenter by trade, a Marine, and Vietnam Vet. He was also a bit of a hippie, extremely talented artistically, and very creative. He would have loved the idea of me hand burning his urn.
So, I went to our local Michael’s craft store and found a box that would work. I printed the image I was going to burn, the USMC emblem, sized to fit where I wanted it. I transferred the image by hand, which I still prefer over the heat transfer method, and my template was ready. A similar process to how a tattoo is done. As I turned on my new wood burner, which was a simple soldering iron type of tool, I put the hot metal tip right to the wood, and I began drawing just like I normally did. It flowed out of me so easily. Wood can offer some challenges with the change in grain, but I felt like a natural and I was hooked.
Throughout my life, art has always been there. From drawing, coloring, and painting, to making paper mâchè Halloween costumes and homemade cards/gifts. In middle school and high school, I would take creative/art classes whenever I could from general art to interior design but, my favorite classes always involved wood. Wood Shop and Crafts. I was usually one of only a few girls who enjoyed power tools & sawdust.
Nature has also been a constant love and inspiration of mine. Born in San Diego, CA my parents relocated to NorCal when I was about 18 months old. I was surrounded by trees, open spaces, and experienced all the seasons. Swam in ponds and slid down rock slides. Made forts, climbed trees and ate wild berries off the bushes.
A few years after my parents split, in the early 80s, this little country girl became somewhat of a city girl, as I ended up back in San Diego, with my dad. I was 9 then, and have been here ever since. I love my hometown. San Diego & our surrounding areas are inspiring in so many wonderful ways. From the coastal beauty and beach vibes, to the majestic mountains & iconic deserts. And, our art scene and community are one of a kind!
Since I first began my pyrography journey with that little soldering iron, I have upgraded my tool. In 2019, I invested in a Razertip SK10 with a fixed pen system. Since then, they have made even more advances in the pyrography tools available and there are a lot of options out there.
Pyrography has added so much value to my life. Confidence in myself. Creative expression like I have never known before. Artwork I never could have imagined I would be able to create, reaching further than I ever would have imagined.
I truly believe in art-therapy and I have found mine. I don’t consider myself a patient person, whatsoever — but, I can sit and patiently burn for hours on end. Pyrography is such a slow and mesmerizing process. From the soothing aroma of the wood at my fingertips, to the warm glow of the metal tip. From the organic feel of the grain and texture of the wood, to the silky, smoke curls. I love everything about Pyrography and am so grateful I finally discovered it when I did.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
With today’s technology and advances in AI & laser engraving machines, I take the most pride in my process still being personally done by me, and in hand-crafting all my pieces.
I have created some amazing artwork, but I have impressed myself the most, with my portrait work. I never imagined I would be able to create such beautiful pieces and am looking forward to creating many more.
There will always be struggles. Another one for me is, balance. The balance of creating all the art I want to create, and making time to for the pieces others want created. Such as commissions. It’s a wonderful feeling to have someone trust you with creating a pet memorial, family keepsake, or unique gift for a loved one. Knowing they will treasure that tangible piece of my artwork, for years to come. It’s truly something special.
Another struggle I face, and I think many artists face, is comparison. Comparison is the thief of joy. There are so many amazing artists, and with social media, it’s too easy to compare yourself to others. So, don’t. Fight that feeling. There is room for all of us to shine. We are all unique and offer something special to this world. If creating makes you happy, do it. Grow through the process and be true to what you want to express. Be willing to change as you grow, because change is the only constant. It’s natural to evolve a little as you go. Embrace it.
What are your plans for the future?
I would really love to join in some art exhibitions, and more fine art shows.
I would also love to contribute to public art installations around San Diego and neighboring SoCal areas.
Recently, I joined in a collaborative project with 20+ pyrography artists from around the world, with plans in place to create unique pieces for homes, businesses, and lots more. Our team is gaining momentum, and the sky’s the limit! We are, Pushin’ Fire LLC. Check it out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/AmbersAfire
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambers_afire
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambersafire.ca
Image Credits
All photos are mine. 🙂
