We recently connected with Jackie Lewis and have shared our conversation below.

Jackie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In a way all projects are meaningful, but maybe some more than others. As artists we’re capturing a moment, a feeling, or a message… I do a lot of commission work and that is always rewarding because someone has trusted you to bring their vision to life. It’s rewarding turning that project over and see their reaction. I’ve made pieces for weddings, portraits of families, pet memorial works just to name a few.

I’m currently gearing up and brainstorming on a project for this next year. I believe when this piece is done it will be my most meaningful project to date. I’m taking part in a group show that will not only be a fundraiser, but also a celebration of life of a dear friend. It’s hard to talk about but it’s something that needs to be talked about. My friend lost her life to domestic violence. When I found out I was in shock. I talked to our mutual friends, and they were also completely blindsided.

My friend was a painter, but also so much more. She was beautiful, intelligent and was a huge advocate for the arts. One of her specialties was creating 3D acrylic flowers from paint. I’ve been thinking about how to incorporate her 3D elements into my own work but in a different format. I’m a painter as well, but also a pyrographer (woodburning artist). I’ve been wanting to push myself in terms of materials and this feels like it may be the perfect project to do so. I want to capture her beauty, her strength, and her enthusiasm for the arts and life. This weekend I begin my hunt for the perfect wood for the project and you’ll have to check back in with me for the final piece!

Jackie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! My name is Jackie Lewis and I’m a painter, woodworker and pyrographer. Pyrography, for those unfamiliar with the term, is woodburning. Essentially you have a power unit that heats up various pens to different temperatures, and you use those to draw and shade on wood. I’ve been an artist pretty much my whole life, but when I moved to TN in 2014, I actually started making artwork to sell. To meet people, I joined an artist’s co-op and I found I need to change my medium in order to stand out. So, in 2017 I officially began burning. As a child and young adult, I took quite a few art classes in drawing, painting, etc., but I’ve never had any formal training in woodburning. I feel like a lot of woodworkers and burning artists are kind of trial-and-error type of people. LOL

What sets me apart from a lot of pyrographers is that I treat my art more like fine art, rather than a craft. I don’t mass produce pieces just to sell large quantities. I also paint my works as well, which is different from traditional woodburing. My personal preference was to use acrylic paint but I’m starting to branch out into more sources for color. When I started in 2017, I didn’t know anyone else who did pyrography full time and sold it. Now post covid lockdown there are a lot more of us!

Another thing that may set me apart is I like a good challenge and I’m not afraid to change up my “canvas”. I have done maps, guitars, tables, throwing axes, charcuterie boards, ornaments, skateboards, and custom pull out tables for dispersed camping. I’ve been asked about gun stocks but waiting for someone to pull the trigger on that one, pun intended. LOL

Along with making and selling my own art, I also started an Instagram and Facebook named the Clarksville Art Scene to help promote other local artists and art events. Clarksville, TN is a big town with a small town feel and a bustling art scene. We have an Art Walk each month and I enjoy seeing the variety of excellent work created by local artists. If you ever find yourself near downtown Clarksville on the first Thursday of the month, I encourage you to partake!

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

NTFs…LOL. I actually get quite a few people asking me for NFTs. Now I’m assuming most are spam, but it cracks me up. I can’t help but wonder if they realize what my medium is! For me pyrography and woodworking are very tactile arts. If I was to turn my work into an NFT you would lose that element. But, the years have also taught me that each person viewing your art sees something different and reacts different based upon their own life experiences. If someone was really set on having an NFT of my piece I would consider it.

I will also add to this interview, although my young adult education was in architecture, I’ve now gone back to college and I’m currently studying graphic design. NFTs are definitely part of the graphic design world and so I have an appreciation for creators and collectors. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll be strictly an NFT artist!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I can think of a couple aspects that make being a creative rewarding. First, I love working with clients on commissions. It can be challenging to figure out what is in their mind’s eye but when it all comes together it’s fantastic! To be able to capture that feeling or a moment for the client to cherish, or gift to another, is a wonderful feeling.

I think a second aspect, that isn’t talked about as much, is emotional processing. As a creative, art is an outlet. No matter your medium (writing, music, acting, painting, ect.) there’s a sort of meditative, intentional process you work through. Even if I had no one to make art for, I would still continue to create for my own well-being. I believe we all have something to share with the world, no matter how small, and my gift is my art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sites.google.com/view/artjourneyiltotn/home
• Instagram: @pyrography_artist_jackie_lewis
• Facebook: PyrographyArtist Jackie Lewis
• Other: https://jackielewisdesign.myportfolio.com This features my graphic design work.

Image Credits
All photos by me. :)