Using only a magnifying glass and the sun, you can find Janie O’Brien @Charred Fibers creating elaborate pieces of Solar Pyrography Art at fairs, festivals, and even her own backyard. Solar Pyrography is when sun’s energy is harnessed by using a magnifying glass to focus light into a point hot enough to burn designs into wood and other materials.
Janie O’Brien has been creating Solar Pyrography Art since 1993. She first became drawn to the craft at a Fantasy Faire when she saw a woman, dressed as a fairy, using nothing but the sun to create Solar Pyrography Art on an Egyptian altar. I was hooked! Janie exclaims as she conjures up the memory.
Charred Fibers originated in the San Francisco Bay Area, but is now operated out of Helena, Montana. Despite the long winters there, Janie O’Brien and Charred Fibers still manages to produce some beautiful, unique art pieces. Janie finds inspiration from her friends, nature, and scourers the internet for ideas to keep her work at Charred Fibers fresh.
When asked about who in the Solar Pyrography world inspires her:
Durf Durfee was the first burner I found online. His work is amazing. I really want to be him when I grow up. He lives in the Keys and burns for a living! Also, Jordan Mang-Osan from The Philippines. He has a Solar Pyrography studio on his rooftop.
When asked what the most rewarding part of owning her own creative business is, she replies:
Seeing the excitement when I show people how my art is done. Some people don’t believe it until they see it. When kids call their parents over to see, the smiles on their faces when they realize it’s not just art, but science too!
Of the challenges Janie admits:
Advertising. It’s very difficult for me to sell my work online because it is very much a visual art. If the viewer doesn’t see how the art is done, they presume, rightly so, that it’s done with a wood burning tool rather than naturally.
Janie ‘s advice to those interested in taking up Solar Pyrography, weather for a hobby or business:
First get the right sunglasses or you’ll burn your retinas! Secondly, don’t be afraid to spend money to make money. Get into every show, every street fair, every event you can find. Think outside the proverbial box.
You can follow Charred Fibers on Etsy, Instagram, and Facebook.
Chestnut Cowboy 