It was my mother who had the artistic ability in my family. She always told me to have a career first, and to use art as a hobby. I trained to be a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked in that field for twenty years until I herniated two disks in my lower back. Unable to work as a nurse anymore, I became more and more interested in art once again. I have been an artist since childhood always finding ways to use my God given talent.
I have not been formally trained in art. Instead, I have been a self-taught artist in many of the mediums I pursued. When I was seven years old I did my first oil painting. Since then, I have worked in pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, and more.
In 1985 I read an article in a magazine about a woman doing wood burnings as art. I thought that was interesting so I decided to try it. My passion now is Pyrography, the art of burning on wood, leather, watercolor paper, and other mediums. Pyrography is also known as Poker Art and Wood Burning. Wood burning has come a long way since then.
I became serious about pyrography in 2003. Wanting to learn more about this method, I have studied under other well known pyrographic artists/instructors, and has since developed my own techniques and uniqueness, which I incorporate into my works.
Since childhood I have had a deep connection with nature and animals. I use my camera to embrace that connection on my many travels. The photos I take provides me with a large reference library which I use to produce the wildlife burnings I do.
I call my method of burning "photo-realism" because each stroke is meticulous as I portray my subjects realistically through fine detail using a photograph. I believe that "the eyes are the window to the soul" in any portrait...and I start out by burning the eyes first. I not only capture the soul of the portrait, but I leave behind a piece of my soul and heart when doing it. Each piece is original and unique.
I have exhibited in juried woodcarving and fine art shows in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Canada. I have become an award winning artist and my works have received local as well as international recognition. I even presented one of my works to noted entertainer Wayne Newton.
My artwork is included in private collections throughout North America and Australia. I have also had photos of my artwork published in Chip Chats magazine, and the new Pyrography magazine published as a Special Edition of Scroll Saw Magazine.
I am a proud member of the:
Thank you for reading my Biography.
Hugs & Blessings...Danette (a.k.a. Dannie Smith or Dangee)