My Artistic Journey and Passion
I discovered my talent for drawing when I was 13 years old and quickly realized that art was my true passion, often prioritizing it over other studies. At 19, I began creating portraits with graphite pencils, and for a long time, graphite was my favorite medium. I never wanted to try anything else.
Life led me to the Netherlands, where I focused on learning Dutch and integrating into the culture. Despite the challenges, art remained my refuge, providing relaxation and peace. During this time, I worked with various organizations that offered community art and workshops, broadening my knowledge and skills.
After a decade of mastering graphite, I stumbled upon pyrography, an incredible technique that intrigued me. My initial attempts were challenging; I struggled to control the heat with a cheap tool I had bought from a local supermarket. Seeking advice, I reached out to renowned artists in Canada but received no responses. Despite this, I persisted.
After 18 months of research and experimentation, I found Baptis Arnhem, a specialty hardware and tool store. There, I purchased a Razertip tool, a decision I consider one of the best of my life. Even a decade later, that tool still serves me well. Recently, I upgraded to the latest Razertip SL1, enhancing my work even further.
Pyrography has become more than just an art form for me; itโs a form of creative therapy. The process of burning wood relaxes my mind, and the aroma of basswood serves as a natural aromatherapy. I share my passion through demonstrations and workshops across the UK and the Netherlands, spreading inspiration wherever I go.
Art is my refuge, my therapy, and my passion.
Through every stroke and burn, I find myself and share a piece of my soul with the world.
Daan
Turning Isolation into Inspiration: My COVID-19 Squirrel Pyrography
During my self-isolation in 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19, I decided to channel my energy into creating a beautiful pyrography piece of a squirrel. Despite the challenges, I remained optimistic and used my passion for art to stay positive and avoid depression. After two weeks, I not only recovered from COVID-19 but also completed a meaningful artwork.
Remember, stay positive even when you test positive! ๐