George Fernandez’s pyrography exhibition is on in Thiruvananthapuram

George Fernandez showcases pyrography art collection at his gallery

Flora Gallery stills time. Its walls, covered by diverse artwork, insist that you linger. The longer you stay, the more reasons you find to linger a little longer. Here, in the corner of Oottukuzhy Junction in Thiruvananthapuram, artist George Fernandez’s home and art have spilt into each other in an eclectic orchestration of paintings, sculptures, mosaics, origami, and fabrics.

December 17 marked his 70th birthday as well as the inauguration of his pyrography exhibition, Fired Beauty. Pyrography is a technique that uses heated tools to burn wood to create art. George’s gallery has a collection of 30 pieces completed over a year. Each piece is marked by intricate shading and stippling and is rendered unique by the texture and colour of the wood. His sepia-toned art is inspired by biblical and natural imagery.

Surrounded by onlooking cherubs and birds, George talks about his venture into pyrography more than 30 years ago when his cousin gifted him a pyrography pen from France. Fired Beauty is dedicated to this cousin, who passed away before he could see the works being exhibited.

George used imported wood from Australia and England alongside plywood for this collection. Some of the wood used in this exhibition includes walnut, cherry, and pine. Not all materials can be used for pyrography. For instance, it is difficult to make impressions on wood like teak which is abundant locally. Each tree has its peculiarities, and the process of burning every piece is idiosyncratic.

Softwood is easier to make impressions upon, whereas the task is more laborious with hardwood. “You have to work very slowly,” he says, pressing the metal nib of the tool against his palm to demonstrate. “It’s patient work.” He takes at least three weeks to complete a single frame. The largest piece of the collection, a recreation of The Last Supper, took him six months.

He has a set of five tools for pyrography. When heated, they can be used for line work, shading, stippling, or to make deep impressions. It is meticulous work that requires a steady hand. In pyrography, there are no ways to correct errors — all you can do is start afresh.

Alongside Flora Gallery, George has also been running the Flora Institute of Arts & Crafts since 1989. A florist facing flower scarcity at the time, he turned to making artificial flowers with fabric to keep his business afloat. Not only were his flowers in great demand, but he also began taking classes at the request of people who wanted to learn the skill. He has not looked back since, making flowers with clay, porcelain, ceramic, and even rice!