
Wood Artist / Mad Scientist
High Voltage Pyrography
I have coined the term High Voltage Pyrography to describe my work. Another term for this pattern is Lichtenberg figures. Named after the German physicist Georg Christoph Lichtenberg, they are natural patterns that form from electrical discharges of high voltage. Lichtenberg figures are formed by the breakdown of an insulating material such as wood or glass, which forms a carbon trail; carbon is a conductor rather than an insulator, so it acts like wire allowing current to break down further material. The hardness of the wood and grain pattern define the patterns which form. For example, poplar generally produces broad detailed patterns, while purpleheart generally produces more narrow and defined patterns.
Please explore the pieces below; if you are interested in any, contact me.
Commissions and custom work inquiries are also welcome.
Woods that I work with include Ash, Bloodwook, Bubinga, Cherry, Leopardwood, Maple, Oak, Padauk, Poplar, Purpleheart, and Wenge.
Long Exposure Photography By Kyle Hounsell. http://www.system-failure.net/
High Voltage Pyrography Demonstration
This video shows how electric discharge patterns are created in High Voltage Pyrography.


Lichtenberg Figure on Padauk

Lichtenberg Figure

High Voltage Pyrography Art
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