While many people enjoy pyrography as a hobby or artistic pursuit, it can also be a powerful tool for promoting relaxation and mental well-being.
“Burning is art. Art is therapy”
Rachel Struass
Here are some reasons pyrography can be used to support mental health:
Stress Relief:
One of the benefits of pyrography is its ability to promote stress relief. When engaging in this activity, individuals are often able to disconnect from the stressors in their daily lives and focus solely on their creative pursuits. It can provide a distraction from everyday life. When you're focused on the activity, you may be less likely to ruminate on negative thoughts. This can help reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm.
Mindfulness:
Pyrography also encourages mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. When working on a pyrography project, individuals must focus their attention on the details of the design, which can help them remain mindful and present. Wood burning requires us to go slower than we are used to with other mediums. This slowed down pace can induce a state of "flow," which is characterized by complete absorption in the task at hand.
Improved Mood:
Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can improve mood and promote a sense of well-being. Pyrography is no exception. By providing a creative outlet, this art form can help individuals feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, leading to improved mood.
Increased Self-Expression:
Pyrography allows individuals to express themselves in a unique and personal way. By choosing their own designs and colors, individuals can create pieces that are reflective of their personal style and preferences. Wood burning allowing you to express your emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a nonverbal way. This can help increase self-expression and boost confidence.
Sense of Community:
Here, at Wood Burn Corner we are all about community and sharing each others art with the world. Being part of Burn Club can provide a sense of belonging and social support, which can be beneficial for mental health. We support and healp each other through the ups and downs of learning a new skill and art form as well the trials and tribulations of owning a creative business. If you want to know how to get more involved in the community, click here!
Pyrography is an excellent activity for promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and mental well-being. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, engaging in this activity can provide a range of mental health benefits, including stress relief, improved mood, and increased self-expression.
Now, pair up pyrography with radial symmetry and it becomes a whole new world of practicing mindfulness!
Radial Symmetry patterns, also commonly known as a Mandala, have been recognized by psychology as a therapeutic tool. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung said they’re like representations of our mind. He thought they made it easier for us to concentrate on, transform, and internalize subconscious thoughts. His belief was that we project our emotions and thoughts into the mandala designs.
“For me, a radial symmetry pattern, or a mandala inspired art piece, is the end result of a mindfulness journey.”
-Basia Chmielowic
These repetitive patterns are what I get at the end of a creative meditation, a zone out, a doodle session (whatever you want to call it!).
It is a form of meditation for me as the repetition of each pattern allows me not to think about the end result, but rather a focus on each small section at a time.
Repeating the same design helps me zone out and immerse myself in the moment.
Two ways to learn how to draw your own mandala designs:
1. Read:
Choose from two books full of mandala inspired patterns complete with written instructions on how to draw your own designs from scratch!
The Community Book of Templates offers designs by Basia and the community in a variety of themes as well as pyrography basics.
The Presence Bundle features Basia’s designs inspired by the art deco & art nouveau movements. No pyro information but links to resources to get you started.
These two items each include a radial symmetry guide and a set of their own unique designs to practice pyrography with. Either way, you will learn to create endless unique radial symmetry designs!
2. Watch:
A step-by-step video tutorial on DIY radial symmetry patterns and how to wood burn them:
Or the video tutorial on DIY radial symmetry patterns without the pyro part:
