Pyrography, the art of burning or scorching on a natural surface was an art form practiced since the dawn of recorded time by Egyptian and African tribesmen fascinated by the mysterious beauty and power of fire. Defined in traditional terms, pyrography is the art of drawing with fire; using a heated tip or wire to burn or scorch designs onto natural surfaces such as wood and leather.

In the late 19th Century, Melbourne architect Alfred Smart discovered a way to pump benzoline fumes through a heated hollow platinum pencil in order to improve upon the pokerwork process and allowing the addition of tinting and shading that previously were impossible. In the early 20th century, the development of the electric pyrographic hot wire wood etching machine further automated the pokerwork process.

Modern day pyrography is typically done with solid-point tools, which resemble but are more sophisticated than soldering irons or hot wire tools. These tools are electrically heated by equipment that may allow temperatures to be adjusted, thereby producing a great range of natural tones and shades. Subtle or bold effects may be achieved, depending on many factors, including heat, pressure, type of wood or surface, and tool tips used.

Julie's technique is to use tools that allow her flexibility to develop her unique style. Light, gradual strokes and smooth, subtle shading are her hallmark in attaining fine detail in each work of art. When it comes to pyrography, Julie considers herself a purist. The wood and grain she uses is selected carefully for best composition and aesthetics.

An artist-at-heart as a child and through college, Julie Bender earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1980. However, it wasn’t until 2002 that she serendipitously stumbled across the art of pyrography. Self-taught in this medium, her strong passion for it is now matched by the accurate and artful portrayal of her subjects.

Her fiery depiction of nature and wildlife makes an uncommon departure from that of conventional paintings. However, Julie proudly aligns herself with such artists and continues to break ceilings in a world of fine art that is steeped in tradition and normally reserved for those who engage in more commonly universal media – the same world that now readily extends her invitations into prestigious shows and exhibitions.

Inspired by animals and nature – and her Canon EOS Rebel T1i digital camera – her process begins by compiling inspiring photographs and penciling in her subjects on a well-sanded maple surface with a keen sense of composition and attention to wood grain. Light-handed strokes and smooth, subtle shading using very tiny tips characterizes her technique. She finds her personality well-suited for the challenge of this exigent art form as well as the extreme patience and considerable time that is required of her work.

Julie states: “This unusual medium still has me marveling over the fact that my subjects may be brought to life solely by applying heat to wood.” It is precisely the uniqueness of this medium and the realism Julie achieves that draws the attention of collectors to her work.

Julie’s award-winning art is displayed in museums with invitational exhibitions, represented in select galleries throughout the United States, featured in various books, catalogs and publications, and is in private collections, including that of Jack Hanna. As a Signature member of the Society of Animal Artists and Artists for Conservation, she is delighted that her portraits can be channeled toward endangered animal awareness and conservation, while just as importantly advocating pyrography’s place in the world of fine art.

 

SELECT NATIONAL JURIED, MUSEUM & INVITATIONAL EXHIBITIONS

2011 Birds in Art Exhibition, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, Wisconsin

2011 Trailside Galleries Masters in Miniature: Jackson Hole Miniature Show Invitational
2011 Settlers West American Miniatures, Tucson, AZ
2011 Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
2011 Dunnegan Gallery of Art, Bolivar, MO
2011 The Wildlife Experience, Parker, Colorado
2010 San Diego Natural History Museum
2010 The Wildlife Experience, Parker, Colorado
2010 Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona
2010 Greenacres Art Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
2009 Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville, VA
2009 Hiram Blauvelt Museum, Oradell, NJ
2009 Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure, Salina, KS
2009 International Museum of the Horse, Lexington, KY
2009 The Wildlife Experience, Parker, CO
2009 Dunnegan Gallery of Art, Bolivar, MO
2009 Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park Fine Art Gallery, Estes Park, CO
2009 San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, San Angelo, Texas
2008 The Neville Public Museum, Green Bay, WI
2008 Breckenridge Fine Arts Center, Breckenridge, TX
2008 International Museum of the Horse, Lexington, KY
2007 International Museum of the Horse, Lexington, KY

NATIONAL INVITATIONAL JURIED SHOWS

2010-2012 NatureWorks, Tulsa, OK
2008-2011 Waterfowl Festival, Easton, MD
2006-2010 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Charleston, SC
2008, 2010 Plantation Wildlife Art Festival, Thomasville, GA

Press
2011 Sporting Classics magazine
2011 Western Art Collector magazine
2011 Birds in Art catalog
2011 Strokes of Genius 3: The Best of Drawing
2010 Birds in Art catalog
2010 Scroll Saw & Woodworking & Crafts magazine
2010 Southwest Art magazine
2010 The 50th Annual Art and the Animal catalog
2009 Great Dogs Amazing Artists (book)
2009 Artists for Conservation catalog
2009 The 49th Annual Art and the Animal catalog
2009 Southwest Art magazine
2009 Cowboys & Indians magazine
2009 CreaturesAll magazine cover
2008 The 48th Annual Art and the Animal catalog
2008 Wildscape magazine
2008 Art Horse magazine
2007 Andalusian magazine
2007 Horses in Art magazine

Awards
2009 Award of Excellence, Society of Animal Artists for "On the Alert."
2009 Leonard J. Meiselman Memorial Award for Realistic Painting Executed in an Academic Manner for "Peruvian Splendor"
2009 President’s Award Ohio Veterinary Medical Assn. for “Unbridled Devotion”

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, 1980 University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
Bachelor of Science in Art Education, 1981 University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Affiliations

Signature member of Society of Animal Artists