What is it?
- Pyrography is a technique wood craftsmen use to burn designs onto the surface of wood using a heated metal point
- The word “pyrography” comes from a Greek word meaning “writing with fire.”
- We currently feature two craftsmen who use the pyrography technique:
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Michael Patrick Smith uses pyrography to create intricate designs on Cook Pine Platters
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Gregg Smith uses pyrography to create Petroglyph or Maile lei symbols on the tops of segmented Koa vessels.
Phil Zadlow Pyrography Technique
- Phil uses a metal probe to wood burn Oak beads.
- Phil wood burns each bead himself, one at a time. No two bead designs are alike.
- Phil’s designs are inspired by tribal style and earthly elements of Hawaiian petroglyph and tattoo designs
- At this point, Phil uses only Oak beads. These are NOT Koa beads, although we are working with him to do that.
Phil’s Background
- Originally raised Pearl City & Waikiki Area. Grew up in a military family so we moved every 3 years. Phil’s family eventually moved to Chicago, which Phil says is the farthest away from what he considered his home. After a few years realizing my family was never moving back, Phil decided to take the risk and move back home.
- I was burning wood one day when my niece saw his work and was so excited she asked for a bracelet. Next, she asked Phil to make more for her friends at school. Soon after, Phil started getting questions and requests from parents and teachers, so this became a full-time gig
