Say Hello to… Jes Hooper Pyrography

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We’re pleased to introduce something a little different today. Jes Hooper Pyrography will join us on Saturday 20th May at our Brighton Fringe fair. She took part in a wedding fair back in March and was very popular with visitors. Her animal themed woodburned artwork is beautiful and make real stand out pieces. Find out more about her…

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Please introduce yourself and your brand….

Hi! My name is Jes Hooper and I am an independent artist specialising in pyrography (woodburning) and pointillism (dotwork) wildlife artwork.

My art has a very earthy feel to it in both my material and subject choice. My favourite material to use is living edge oak. I love the natural beauty of English oak grain and figuring, which I use within my artwork to produce added depth. I used to be a professional Animal Behaviourist, so naturally I gravitate to wildlife as my subject matter. I try to evoke a sense of emotional connection to animals through my artwork, to captivate an audience with my interpretation of the natural world.

How would you describe your style and your creations?

My style is very organic, I produce all my work freehand and all my prints are made from photographs of my original drawings (there’s never a computer in site). My primary artwork is a contemporary approach to the traditional art form of pyrography, whereby I burn thousands upon thousands of dots into the surface cells of timber with hot wire. The dots then blur in the viewers eye to form complex images of animals. My work can often be mistaken for lazer-engraving, but it’s all burned one dot at a time by hand.

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What do you enjoy most about your work?

My artwork is definitely a life choice, as I am my most relaxed when I am creating pointillism art. I find the methodical and time consuming nature of dotwork very therapeutic and I enjoy the challenges of working with tough natural materials.

What can we expect to find on your stall at The Fairy Tale Fair Brighton Fringe Special on Saturday 20th May? And are you looking forward to taking part?

At my stall you will find a selection of my affordable art range. I’ll be selling limited edition signed giclee prints; tote bags, greetings cards, and pyrography home ware. I make everything from pyrography rolling pins and utensil sets, to cheese boards and wall hangings. I will also be offering free personalisation whilst you wait-so you can see pyrography in action and create the ideal gift for someone you love (or treat yourself!).

I usually bring along one or two original art pieces too but this time I will have all my work at the Artists Open Houses exhibitions…so you will have to come along and see them there as well!

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Do you have a best seller?

I have a few best sellers including my limited edition art prints, and my personalised utensil sets (they make great gifts). I also get a lot of commissions for bespoke orders which is really fun because each artwork is different and unique to each person. I enjoy working closely with a client to create art from their ideas!

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Do you have any plans or ambitions for the future?

My ultimate ambition as an artist is to spend time drawing animals in the wild. I want to then return to the UK and use my field drawings to create an exhibition of pyrography artwork to promote animal conservation. I have the venue sorted…I just need to sell enough artwork to fund my trip now ! I’ll get there one day.

Do you have a motto or inspirational quote?

My motto is “we do what we can with what we have”. I didn’t study art or woodwork, I’ve never had any funding, and most of the time I am simply hoping for the best when discovering new techniques or weighing up financial risks for my business. I like to think that as long as I am doing everything I physically can to get my artwork off the ground then I’ll get there in the end.