Ever run into any complications?
I’m still waiting to swat a mosquito with the pen in my hand – so far, so good. But seriously, yes, I’ve run into problems. Not often, but it happens.
The pen will burn through the paper if you let it sit in one place too long. If you work the paper too hard, it can become crispy. Keeping a steady hand in constant motion and sometimes spraying the paper lightly with water helps to counteract those issues.
“Christmas Morning”
was finally completed.
Recently, humidity got the better of a complicated Christmas-theme piece. The fibers became mushy and I pushed it too hard. Three weeks of work went down the tubes. That composition took a long time. I plan on working on it again, perhaps next Christmas.
What are the benefits of burning on paper?
First, the artwork can be nicely-presented in a frame behind glass. Second is the ability to make high-quality scans in order to make reproductions. And finally, paper is readily available and consistent in quality.
Most fun piece?
“Uncle Tom the Rooster” Commissioned.
I just finished a commission for an art collector who wanted a remake of “Uncle Tom the Rooster.” Getting a picture of that feisty alpha bird was the funniest photo shoot ever, crawling around on my hands and knees with this crazed rooster wanting to take a piece out of me; so drawing him put a smile on my face.
Most challenging piece?
I was asked to create a portrait of Rusty who passed away a week shy of his 50th birthday. In order to help pay funeral expenses, the family held a benefit. I had to work fast, and morph three different pictures into one portrait. And, of course, it had to be spot-on.
“Rusty All-Star” Commissioned by family.
Rusty’s portrait was raffled for over $1000. The winner then gave the artwork to his mom. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. The time constraints, degree of difficulty and the raw emotions involved made that one a big challenge.
Most bizarre commission request?
People ask me all the time if I do tattoos. My answer is “sure, but you wouldn’t like it very much.”
In closing?
This year my work has been shown in several exhibits. “Colonial Kitchen” won 2nd place and honorable mention awards. I was featured in Pyrography Magazine. My new 2013 Wall Calendar is being offered in retail markets.
So it’s growing, becoming more full time as people are noticing and collecting my artwork. Overall, I feel very blessed and am looking ahead to even bigger, better horizons.
(Interview with featured artist Cate McCauley,
by Jani Freimann, Port Orchard, WA.
Published on Fine Art America, Dec 2012.)
Angel Arts Magazine Interview