Shou sugi ban -Charred Wood Moths
Shou Sugi Ban, or Yakisugi, is an ancient Japanese technique that preserves wood by charring it with fire. Taditionally Sugi wood, Japanese cedar, was used. To create these charred wood lichen moths, I have used the renewable resource of 18mm untreated pine. The process involves charring the wood, cooling it, cleaning it and finishing it with a natural oil. The resulting surface is beautifully textured and when brushed has a rich range of brown wood tones and raised surfaces which catch the light. It is a natural, environmentally friendly way to preserve wood as the charred surface is pest resistant, weathers well and is, ironically, fire retardant and so makes paint or other chemicals unnecessary.
The moth symbolizes a very pure form of spiritual pursuit- the pursuit of light and truth, and moths have traditionally has been used to represent enlightenment. In Japanese culture butterflies and moths carry a number of meanings but are most closely associated with metamorphosis and transformation. They are closely linked with recently departed spirits and consequently are represented in a number of traditional family crests to honour ancestors.
My thanks to Abodo- doing wonderful, innovative, sustainable things with timber- for their help with charring the moths https://www.abodo.co.nz.
