Shou Sugi Ban
Michael Bud • December 15, 2021
A wood burning technique
In many of my recent pieces, all or part of the sculpture is seared with a torch. I got some of my inspiration from the Japanese exterior siding technique called Shou Sugi Ban (or Yakisugi) that preserves wood.
The type of wood used traditionally is Sugi (Japanese Cyprus). The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it, and finishing it with a natural oil.
Ever since I was a child, I was absolutely fascinated and enchanted by fire. It serves as an amazing compliment to many woods. Depending on the type of wood, oil, and technique used, different shades of reds, browns, blacks and silvers can be achieved.
Watch this video of the Japanese technique.
Here is a video of my version of the technique being applied using an oxyacetylene torch to the Cup of Life.
Here are a few posts from my instagram showing the progress of the current piece in my studio.
Forward Motion , one of my smaller sculptures is on display at NYC Jewelers on Main Street in Westport . Stop by and take a look. While you're there, tell Morris the owner I said hello!
Special thanks go out to my licensing agent, Ben Gorbaty of O-Tay Inc. for facilitating my cat and dog designs to be mass produced and distributed to the home decor marketplace. The cats and dogs, produced in painted steel, are available in 4 different poses. The collection was featured in Foreside's 2016 collection as well as Demdaco's 2017-2019 "Happy Tails" collection. It was a proud day when I saw my designs hit the shelves!
