About my art

High Voltage Pyrography

High Voltage Pyrography

Pyrography: The art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object.

The Intersection Between Science and Art

As an artist, I am fascinated by the unpredictable beauty of nature and the power of science to capture it. Through the process of creating high voltage art, I explore the dynamic relationship between electricity, wood, and the visual patterns that emerge from their interaction. Each piece is a testament to the interplay between order and chaos, science and art, and the endless possibilities of creative exploration. Working with high-voltage electricity of up to 15,000 volts is a thrilling and dangerous process, but with the proper safety precautions and years of experience, I am able to harness this power to create unique artwork. Each piece I create is a one-of-a-kind representation of the electrical discharge patterns that occur during the process, a balance between control and chaos, as I carefully guide the electricity through the material while also allowing the natural patterns to emerge. Through my art, I hope to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world and the power of science to capture its beauty. Many of the underlying techniques, tools, and finishes have taken years to develop with countless failures logged and learned. My studio is a mix of woodshop, electronics laboratory, and mad scientist lair. All of this enables me to explore art and science in a new way.

Once the composition is complete, color, depth and shading are added, gun powder, dyes, powdered metals, resin, and encaustic waxes are utilized.

Eric Beauchamp is a resident artist at the Noyes Cultural Arts center in Evanston, Illinois. The studio being a mix of art studio, woodshop, and mad science lab.

Eric Beauchamp

Evanston, Illinois