Georgianne Jackofsky
Pyrographer
Rocky Point, NY, USA
When fire paints on wood
- Georgianne is self-taught in pyrography
- She works in collaboration with her husband and brother-in-law
- Her background in math shapes her eye for design
Through pyrography, Georgianne Jackofsky creates freehand designs inspired by mosaics, manuscripts, maps and motifs from her bookshelves. Her journey in art started after majoring in mathematics. "I have always been drawn to the beauty of geometric shapes, those formed by nature and those created by the human hand," Georgianne says. Although she studied pen and ink and illustration, she was captivated by the potential of drawing designs on wooden pieces using a wood burner tool. Because working too quickly or with too much heat can easily gouge the wood's surface, Georgianne painstakingly builds up delicate layers and fine lines with a pyrography pen to achieve deeper, darker shades.
INTERVIEW
My pyrography journey began unexpectedly. My husband, who made plain Navajo spindles, bought a woodburning tool for decoration. I took over the task, and he later gifted me a much better pyrography machine. A year later, I began collaborating with my brother-in-law, woodturner Mike Jackofsky.
I do not plan or sketch designs in advance. While I might start with a general idea or motif, the artwork evolves organically as I burn directly onto the wood. The piece's shape, grain, natural markings, and even unexpected features all play a role in its final direction.
Although pyrography does not require formal training, I do have an art background in illustration. The best way to learn pyrography is through practice and experimentation: spending time with the tools, developing control and learning how different woods respond to heat.
I am influenced by geomatric patterns and their unique emotional force. Through my work, I combine my passion for both art and mathematics. I am particularly inspired by designs found on ancient bowls, cave walls, textiles, medieval manuscripts, and most notably, maps.
Georgianne Jackofsky
Pyrographer
Rocky Point, NY, USA
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Rocky Point, NY, USA
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
LANGUAGES
English
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