What is Woodburning or
Pyrography?
Pyrography (woodburning) is an ancient art form that dates back to ancient cave
dwellings.
Pyrography is Greek for "fire drawing" is the art of burning images on a
variety of mediums such as wood, paper, leather and gourds. The tools for doing
Pyrography have advanced through the ages, instead of using heated sticks we are
now using electric or solar heated tools.
Pyrography is still
rare among fine arts media yet it's exotic beauty continues to fascinate
most of us. The warm flesh tones, textures and deep earthy hues of burning
work well with portraiture which is one of my fascinations and I prefer
burning on wood because of its aesthetic qualities.
Wood carvers often use
woodburning for their carving and woodburning can greatly enhance a
carving project. Used to create fine line detailing or sepia tones of
shadowing, with just one tool and a few basic strokes this craft will open a new
dimension to your finished work.
Once you catch the
"burning fever" you will soon discover that a beautiful design can be created
using just this tool. Woodburning is a lot more than just a dark brown outline on
a piece of wood. From pale golden shading to dark textured areas, there is a
wide range of tonal values that can be made with just one woodburning tool.
About the artist, Nedra
Denison
My name is Nedra (short "e", as in
"Ed") Denison and I have been
doing Pyrography since 1999, but my interest in art started at a very
young age. As a child, my parents saw that I had some artistic talent
and they encouraged me to pursue the
training I needed to help develop that natural talent.
I began studying art at
the age of 11, with my medium being pencil and oil paint. I started taking
private lessons and then went on to take evening classes in oil painting with
Ken Davies at Paier College of Art in New Haven, CT. I worked mostly on
still life and seascapes as a child but that changed as I grew up.
I started traveling as a child
with my parents and there was always a camera attached to one hand.
Growing up in New England gave me lots of opportunities for photos of fall
foliage, lighthouses and my favorite...seascapes. Traveling was in my
blood and never left. I left home after high school for college and
returned only for family visits. My career gave me the opportunity to move
around the country and personal travel to Italy, Spain, Asia and other places
throughout the USA gave me ample subject matter for my art. I collected
photos all along the way and still have every one of them.
As I matured and traveled my focus
began to change and develop. After moving to New Mexico in the early 80's
my art centered around southwestern themes but my medium of choice remained
oils. I continued painting until I suffered some life challenges due to
stress from the job in 1992. I was unable to work and had lost all
interest in art. As my mind healed I discovered that my body wasn't healing.
I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease in my spine and fibromyalgia with
chronic fatigue syndrome. What this means is that I suffer from chronic
fatigue and pain due to over active nerves that never shut off. Over the
years I have learned to pace myself and not overstress myself with too much to
do.
It was many years
later after recovering from my "meltdown", that my husband, Alan, a woodcarver, got me interested in woodcarving
and I started to rediscover art but found that it had taken a
360o turn and a totally different meaning. My interest in
woodburning (pyrography) started while taking a woodcarving class at a Texas
Woodcarvers Guild Spring Rally many years ago. I was sitting next to a
group of people who were woodburning and the smell was irresistible. I
became fascinated with the effects created by burning on wood and was determined
to learn how to do it. So, armed with a new burner and some wood I set out
to teach myself the art of pyrography. Little did I know that pyrography
would be the therapy needed to put my life back on track and become productive
again. Nor did I have any idea that a couple of years later I would be the one teaching at
the Texas Woodcarvers Guild Spring Rally.
I use a variety of tools such as a single-temperature
craft burner, a torch and a detail burner including the
Razertip dual output and Nibsburner Best of Show. I
experimented for a couple of years trying to find just the right technique that
would achieve the effects I was looking for and then perfecting it. The
technique I finally found worked for me is what I call my "smooth shading
(gradient tones)
technique" which creates the effect of an old sepia photo. It is a smooth,
flowing technique much like a painter does with a brush. Perhaps my
background as an oil painter helps me to use my tool much like a paint brush.
It is this smooth flowing technique that gives my work a unique style.
There are no outlines or lines in my work, all the "edges" are created with the
shading which is blended just like a painting. Of course I do use other
techniques depending on the look I am attempting to achieve.
I enjoy woodburning a
variety of subjects but while living in New Mexico, I fell in love with the
Native American culture and that love has been captured in my work. As a
child, my parents had wanted me to do portraits and although I tried,
I was never happy with the results until discovering pyrography.
My doctor suggests that it was my life experiences during my healing process that helped me see and feel things
differently and helped me to make the portraits and other works come alive.
One judge in a show described my portraits as "having a sensitivity that is important when doing portraits".
It is my goal when I do a burning that when you look at them, you can feel the
emotion and life in each piece. It is that "life essence" that grabs your
attention and the reason why I have won so many awards for my work in the
short time since learning pyrography. Since moving up to the
expert level in Pyrography I have continued to win blue ribbons, Best of
Division and other awards such as Best of Woodworking, Judges Choice and Best
of Show for my Golden Eagle. After achieving the ultimate award I felt
it was time to retire from competition and after seeing some professional
burners and instructors compete against novice, intermediate burners and their
students I felt it was unfair to compete and thought it an appropriate time to
stop.
I started teaching in 2000 and have taught throughout Kansas, Texas,
Washington and New Mexico at woodcarving rallies, colleges, group
classes sponsored by woodcarving clubs and private classes in my studio.
My philosophy
as a teacher is to provide a hands-on class experience while encouraging each student to
express their unique artistic style in their own work. I enjoy working
with students of all levels, and my instruction can be geared to the beginning
artist as well as the skilled student wishing to develop new techniques and
create their own original pieces.
Since retiring and moving to New Mexico I have gotten back into pencil drawing,
working with gourds with a variety of techniques including carving and
pyrography and a variety of mediums. After so many years
teaching and not enough time being creative I felt it was time to make some
changes in my priorities and with the problems with the fibromyalgia I thought
it was time to slow down a bit rather than trying to push myself and over stress
my body. So, I'm back to my studio working on gourds, doing some burning
and out in my garden growing my veggies, herbs and gourds.
Nedra's personal side
I
have been involved with animals most of my adult life. While living in
Texas and trying to heal from my "meltdown", an angel
in
the form of a Golden Retriever
came into my life. I named him Max (after my father) and he was the
catalyst that helped give me a purpose in life again. He was an amazing
guy who just loved people and it occurred to me that I was not the only person
that needed Max in their life and so I decided it was time to share this angel
with other people in need.
Max and I traveled to Dallas to be evaluated as a
Delta Society certified therapy dog/handler and he passed with flying colors.
Since I had been an Oncology Social Worker for many years and my mother was
dealing with a terminal illness, I decided that
I wanted to do something that could help people who were dealing with serious
life challenges. So we
began volunteering at Hospice (photo on the right is Max with Jennie, his first
"friend" from Hospice). It became clear that Max was a natural and
born
to be a therapy dog, helping people forget their pain, even if for a brief period
of time.
It didn't take long for me to
realize how much of a need there was in the community for more people to do pet
therapy so I traveled to Houston to train to became a licensed evaluator.
The
following year I went to Washington state to attend training to become a
licensed instructor for Delta Society and on my flight home the inspiration for
"Angel Paws" pet therapy program was born and I returned home with a new dream.
While sitting on the plane I remembered the very first day I was working with
Max at a local nursing home and how everyone reacted to this golden
angel. He made people smile who had not smiled in years. He brought
tears to eyes of family members watching their loved one respond to his
attention and I remember the words of so many people calling Max an angel sent
from god. He was "Angel Paws". It brought tears to my eyes
and by the time the plane landed I had a new
purpose in life. When I met Al at the airport I told him that I was going to
start a
pet
therapy program in the community.
With the help of the volunteer
coordinator and director of Hospice, Max and I met with the CEO and Director of
Nursing at
Providence Hospital to discuss my dream of starting a Pet Therapy program at
their facility. As Max and I walked into the
Administration offices EVERYONE fell instantly in love with this golden
angel. Even the CEO got on the floor to give Max a hug and within 5 minutes of our meeting they had
not only agreed to the idea,
but had allowed me to develop the entire program
working together with the infection control department. Within two months
the program started and we were ready to work along with two other teams.
Max was known throughout the state
through newspaper and TV stories about this amazing dog. I received phone
calls asking for him to visit patients in the hospital and in Hospice care.
He was so in demand I couldn't keep up with the demand for him to visit people
but I could not over work him so I had to get my other 2 goldens certified as
therapy dogs to help with the visits. Unfortunately they were not Max but
they did help take some of the pressure of him. After 5 years of hard work
Max retired from Pet Therapy and while Providence and Hospice was saddened they
understood how much stress therapy dogs endure working in such difficult
environments.
Before leaving Waco "Angel Paws" group had grown to over twelve teams and became a non-profit
organization complete with uniforms for the dogs and the handlers. It was
one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and one that I will never
forget.
When we moved to Washington I was
unable to continue doing pet therapy because I was now working full time but I
still had a need to be involved in
something and since we had been involved in dog rescue for several years I
volunteered for the Seattle Pure Bred Dog rescue. At times we fostered
dogs in need or helped transport rescues to their new forever homes through our RV network of friends.
Alan and I are now both retired from the VA and have relocated to New Mexico. We
live there with our two dogs. Please check out
our personal pages
to see family photos...both furry and 2-legged!
Please click here to go to my
Artist's Statement
Nedra's
crowning achievement
In November, 2005, I underwent major reconstructive surgery
on my foot and was recuperating at home for 6 weeks unable to do
anything, including burning. So when it came time for the Kitsap carvers wood carving show in
Bremerton, WA, I eagerly anticipated attending.
Each
time I select a project to be exhibited or entered into competition at a wood carving show, I
understand that I am representing the entire craft of pyrography and make
my selection with infinite care. The project that I selected to enter was a
Golden Eagle bust. This piece was my labor of love and not just another
pyrography project. I believe that I was more meticulous than usual
with this project because of that love and all my hard work paid off.
I anxiously awaited the judging of Expert level entries and
was thrilled when I received a blue ribbon. Since ribbons are
awarded based on the merit of the project and not arbitrarily just to have
a first, second and third place award and often there are no ribbons given
to entries at this level, so to achieve any award it is truly an
accomplishment.
My
dream didn’t stop there…my golden eagle went on to achieve the “Best of
Division” award, the “Judges Choice" award and
the ultimate honor of winning “The Best of Show” award.
This was a crowning achievement for me both personally and professionally.
This may be the first time that so many honors have been given to a single
entry in the category of a pyrographic art at a wood carving show and
needless to say I was absolutely thrilled.
To see
some of my work please check out
my gallery
Pyrography Books by
Nedra
Since I started teaching
classes, my students encouraged me to write a book to help people
learn my smooth shading (using gradient tones) technique. My first book,
"Lifelike
Pyrography from Photographs"
first published in 2003
is like taking my
advanced class on portraits.
Because
there were several pyrography books already out there with
patterns and some very basic techniques, I wanted to do a book that would provide pyrographers with something they really needed and was not available in any
other book on the market...more advanced techniques plus
methods for pyrographers to create natural, lifelike work from photographs rather than
using a line-drawn pattern. The book includes a step-by-step portrait
project that teaches all you need to know to create your own beautiful lifelike
portraits.
I also wanted to do the book my way, so when I received offers from publishers
to publish the book, I opted to do it all myself. Unlike commercial
publishers who have their books printed in China my book is printed in in the U.S. The printing costs
are higher, but it gave me total control over how the book was
published and helped the local economy rather than supporting the Chinese economy. It
was quite a learning experience and will certainly help for the future.
This book became so popular that it was revised, edited and is
now in it's second printing.
I knew this book was a
success when it went into the second printing, but the clincher was when
Cheryl Dow
contacted me and said that she had bought the book
"Lifelike
Pyrography from Photographs"
and now she has started burning human subjects using my smooth shading technique.
Since I cut
back on teaching when I returned to work and I couldn't clone myself, I decided it was time to go back to the basics
with a
second book.
There still were no new woodburning books that addressed basic woodburning.
So many people were still looking for
a book that was more than just patterns and had good basic information as well
as clear step-by-step
instructions. I began working to
fill this need. My second book, published in 2004,
"Pyrography 101: A
Lesson in Woodburning"
was a way to reach people who are new to pyrography and/or struggling to learn
to make their burnings more natural and realistic. It's like taking my
class without leaving the comfort of your home. I have included all
the basics, from choosing the material, preparation of the wood and lots of
references in the back of the book to help you find information on the various
burners available and where to find them, pyrography books, resources for
supplies and much more. The book has step-by-step projects for beginners
to help learn the basics and gain control of shading and one intermediate
pattern to help master the shading technique, so there is something for
everyone. I learned a lot with the first book and was fortunate to
find a wonderful editor to help with this one to make it even better (the editor
also helped with the second printing of my first book).
I guess it worked because this book is another best seller.
I was contacted in 2004 by Wildwood Designs to make patterns for
them which I agreed to do and sold the copyright for the patterns to them. The following year The Wooden Teddy Bear asked
me to make more patterns from some of my other burnings so they could put
them in their catalog. I agreed and began work on turning some of my
original burnings into patterns. The patterns are now being sold in their catalog and website as well
as ours and they have been very popular sellers. I eventually realized
that it would be more economical for people to buy the book rather than
individual patterns so I compiled all the patterns into one book
"Pyrography Patterns". The book contains 14 of my favorite patterns in a coil bound book and like
the first two books it is on the best seller list at Fox Chapel Publishing.
My
latest book published in 2008, "The Art
of Pyrography: Taking Woodburning to New Limits"
covers new
and fun things you can do with a woodburner.
There is life after basswood
and I going to show you all about it! My latest book covers things not
covered in any woodburning book before such as burning on gourds, canvas,
leather, gourds, etc. Included are step-by-step
projects burning on gourds and maple burl.
I have also included a gallery
of burnings done on unique canvas’ such as paper, tagua nuts, leather, gourds,
maple burls and canvas done by many pyrographic artists including me.
There is information on each with along with tips
for burning on the various materials.
My goal is to give peoples food
for thought so they can explore other materials to burn besides just wood. My
feeling is it's time to take woodburning to new limits. It’s not just
“woodburning” anymore, it’s pyrography and you can experience the thrill of
creating unique one of a kind pyrographic art as well!
Where you can find my books &
patterns
My books are now available on our
website. You can also find my books at many book dealers around the
country, Canada, Australia and other countries. For a partial list please
go to the links
page.
If your woodcarving store or the vendors at your woodcarving
show do not carry my books, ask them to order them for you!
You can also order my
books and other supplies at our
online store.
About competitions and the judging
process
I entered my first competition in 2001 at a show in Tyler, TX
with a portrait of Chief Sitting Bull that won a blue ribbon in the novice level.
It was the first time in my life I entered any of my art work in a competition
so it was a thrill.
For the next 5 years I entered
many competitions, advancing to Expert level in 2006 and winning more than 30 1st
place ribbons and a variety of other awards.
In March, 2006 at the Kitsap show
in Bremerton, WA I achieved
the ultimate honors for my burning of a "Golden Eagle" walking away with four ribbons including:
1st place in the Pyrography category at the Expert Level, Best of
Division, Judges choice and the ultimate award of BEST OF SHOW. The Judges raved
about my work and said it is the best woodburning they have ever seen..."The
feathering was perfect, the depth and shadows were perfect. Those eyes
just follow you everywhere you go. We could find absolutely nothing wrong
with it".
It's been interesting over the
years to see the difference in judging criteria
in the different areas of the country and at different types of shows. Each show seems to have
such different criteria, skill levels and categories. Some shows
don't even have a division of skill levels thus pitting the novice against the
professional...not fair but that's what they do!
One consistent thing I have noticed over the years is that most judges at woodcarving shows
don't have any knowledge or experience in pyrography (other than to enhance
their carvings with lines) and they have no understanding
of the techniques or skill involved in the process. I must admit though
that I was impressed with
a couple of the judges in WA state who showed an interest in learning more so they
could judge fairly. What a radical concept!
The lack of knowledge of judges in Pyrography does not make for fair judging.
It's not
fair to the winner or to the person who does not win any ribbons. Granted
some people don't care why or how they win just as long as they win. But winning
a ribbon is great only if it's for the right reasons, a good woodburning, but it is
not great when you win only because the judges didn't know anything about
pyrography and just made a decision based on knowing the artist.
As a result of this I decided not to enter competition any longer. I don't need the
ribbons or the recognition and I certainly don't need the frustration of trying to educate judges
about how to do their job.
I have entered a few
woodcarving competitions since moving to New Mexico in 2007 out of curiosity to
see what criteria the judges used when evaluating the pyrography category. I
was reminded each time that these judges knew little or nothing about
pyrography. They even admitted it when asked. I was floored when one judge said that none of them knew
anything about pyrography but gave a blue ribbon only because they thought
one technique was harder than the other but really had no clue. Great reasoning!
So, what's the point in
entering a competition if you already know that the judges have no clue
what they are doing? The answer is that for me is there is no point
in entering because I don't need awards if they aren't for the quality and
workmanship involved in the process.
I have not entered since
2007 and will not enter competition any more because I have found that the inequity was worse than I
had ever seen before. Some things I have been seeing which I find
very unfair and unprofessional are things like no
division of skill level in which they allow a
professional pyrographer and instructor to enter work and compete against
novices who they have taught. I
find it odd and very unprofessional that a professional person would have such a need to win
ribbons that it meant nothing to them to step on the toes of her friends and
students just to walk away with more ribbons. It truly was amazing to
watch this happen over and over again throughout that shows in different
categories and to hear the
comments from those that lost...again, and again. And the sad part
is that this has been going on for years. Certainly a sad situation
for the majority of the people entering but at least one person is happy.
So, after years of trying to educate woodcarving judges about woodburning
and then seeing this type of behavior at so many shows
I throw up my hands. Why bother entering competition
if judges don't know what they are doing or shows allow professionals to
compete against novices!
Happy Burning©,
Nedra
Comments Nedra has received about
her work
"Nedra. I must tell you this, too......I had the opportunity to take a look at
your albums on your site the other day......I was astounded at the quality of
work you produce.....those burnings are just gorgeous! Truly the best I've ever
seen, and I'm not blowing smoke. You have a fan here and I continue to look
forward to your postings on the forum. I hope your move went well and you were
able to get situated in your new home without too much trouble after the
horror-show you went through!" Bonnie B, New Hampshire (Woodcarving Illustrated
forum)
"The
picture you won with, the eagle head... I am pretty particular, and don't
throw out compliments lightly, but that is to date the best pyrographed
picture I have ever seen. I could go on and on... so I will. I have been
involved in art classes and competitions all my life, so I think I have
developed an eye for things beyond the picture that most people don't
notice. I try to be encouraging in my comments on this site, there is
usually something whether it is a texture, composition, theme, idea, or
balance of a picture I can compliment on, but I try to keep more critical
remarks to myself unless they are solicited. I have been impressed with
many of the professional artists. What I
want to tell you is that when I say that it is the best picture I have
ever seen, I am not comparing you to the novices or even just the good
burners on this site, but to all of the pictures I have been a fan of that
were created by the best of them. They got nothin' on you Nedra. You
deserved and earned the awards you received." Mel R, Ohio (woodburner.com)
Lynda Eaves who was a nationally known pyrographic artist said of my work:
"It is one thing to make a burning look like the photo, and quite another
to put the 'breath of life' and personality into it. You don't just
copy work, you capture the essence in each portrait"
"Having recently retired from my day job my first project was a golden eagle on a maple
burl. I shared this piece with a dear friend who helped me through
some very trying times and has watched my work develop through the years as I
healed. Her
comments
regarding this piece was the greatest compliment I could have received from
anyone especially since her daughter is also an artist. "Your
ability to imbue your work with the life presence of your subject is growing at
a remarkable rate. This one is incredibly powerful". Tara Cushing,
PhD
Publications with Featured
Articles
or Art
Valencia County News-Bulletin Newspaper, June, 2010.
Click here for
a copy of the paper. The
article is on the front page of the Caliente section, pg 11 and continues
on pg 16. You can also
click here for a direct link to the
condensed version minus the photos.
Scroll Saw Workshop, Fall 2004 -
contributing editor for article titled "Woodburning 101"
Carving Magazine, Fall 2006 - featured article by Nedra titled "Pyrography 101"
Valencia County News-Bulletin Newspaper, April, 2008.
Click here for a condensed version of
the article minus most of the photos.
New Mexico Magazine, September,
2009 - work featured in the Unique Boutique
NM Gourd Society Newsletter -
Gourd art featured on front page
Memberships/Affiliations
Owner, of the Yahoo Group,
Pyrographic Art
National Woodcarver's Association
Texas Woodcarver's Guild,
Life Members
American Gourd Society
Arizona Gourd Society
California Gourd Society
Idaho Gourd Society
Kentucky Gourd Society
New Mexico Gourd Society
Texas Gourd Society
Washington State Gourd
Society
Wisconsin Gourd Society
Belen Art League
Awards
gourds
"Petroglyph Vase"
3rd Place -
Zuni Bears (Professional) - Belen Art League Show, May,
2010
"Petroglyph Vase"
2nd Place -
Carved - Lone Star Gourd Festival, Fredericksburg, TX, October, 2009
"Santa Fe Steps"
2nd Place -
Southwest Inspired - Lone Star Gourd Festival, Fredericksburg, TX, October, 2009
"Small Petroglyph Bowl"
2nd Place -
Gourd/Woodburning (Professional) - Belen Art League Show, Sept, 2008
PYROGRAPHY
"Enchanting Eyes"
1st Place -
Woodcarving/Woodburning (Professional) - Belen Art League Show, Sept, 2008
2nd Place -
Pyrography (Unrestricted) - Desert Woodcarvers Show, Feb, 2008
2nd Best of
Show (Unrestricted) - Desert Woodcarvers Show, Feb, 2008
2nd place - Pyrography (open) - Wichita Show, April, 2008
"Mother's Day Rose II"
2nd Place -
Woodcarving/Woodburning (Professional) - Belen Art League Show, Sept, 2008
"Bearded Beauties"
2nd Place -
Pyrography - Floral (Expert) - Tri-cities Woodcarvers Show, March, 2007
2nd Place -
Floral (Expert) - Northwest Woodcarvers Show, Nov., 2006
1st Place -
Floral (Expert) - Spokane Woodcarvers Show, Oct, 2006
"El Lobo"
1st Place -
Pyrography - Animal (Expert) - Tri-cities Woodcarvers Show, March, 2007
1st Place -
Pyrography (Expert) - Northwest Woodcarvers Show, Nov., 2006
1st Place -
Pyrography (Expert) - Spokane Woodcarvers Show, Oct, 2006
Chief Joseph
portrait
2nd place -
Pyrography (Open) - New Mexico State Fair, September, 2007
1st Place -
Pyrography - Human (Expert) - Tri-cities Woodcarvers Show, March 2007
Best of Division
(Expert) -
Tri-cities Woodcarvers Show, March 2007
Best of Pyrography
-
Tri-cities Woodcarvers Show, March
2007
1st Place -
Pyrography (Expert) - Northwest Woodcarvers Show, Nov., 2006
Best of Division
- Northwest Woodcarvers Show, Nov., 2006
1st Place - Native
American (Expert) - Spokane Woodcarvers Show, Oct, 2006
Best of Division - Spokane Woodcarvers Show, Oct, 2006
1st
Place - Pyrography (Expert) - Quilceda Carvers, April, 2006
Best of Division - Quilceda Carvers, April, 2006
"Longing for the
Dusty Trail"
1st Place - Pyrography (Expert) - Kitsap Carvers, March, 2006
"Majestic Golden
Eagle"
2nd Place - Pyrography (Expert) - Quilceda Carvers, April, 2006
1st Place - Pyrography (Expert) - Kitsap Carvers, March, 2006
Best of Division - Kitsap Carvers, March, 2006
Judges Choice - Kitsap Carvers, March, 2006
BEST OF SHOW - Kitsap Carvers, March, 2006
1st Place - Pyrography
(Expert) - Northwest Woodcarvers, November, 2005
Best of Wood Working - Northwest Woodcarvers, November, 2005
"Tender Moments"
1st
Place - Pyrography (Expert) - Spokane Woodcarvers, October, 2005
Best of Division (Expert)-
Spokane Woodcarvers, October, 2005
"Free Spirits"
2nd
Place - Pyrography (Expert) - Kitsap Carvers, March, 2005
"Rhapsody"
2nd
Place - Floral (Expert) - Kitsap Carvers, March 2005
"Mothers Day Rose II"
1st Place - Pyrography (Advanced) - Northwest Woodcarvers Show, Nov., 2004
1st Place -
Pyrography (Advanced) - Spokane Woodcarvers, October, 2004
1st Place
- Floral (Advanced) - Quilceda Woodcarvers, September, 2004
"Mel Gibson
Portrait"
2nd Place
- Pyrography (Advanced) - Quilceda Carvers, April,
2005
1st Place
- Human
(Advanced)
- Northwest Woodcarvers,
November, 2004
Best of Division (Advanced) - Northwest Woodcarvers,
November, 2004
1st Place - E. Texas Woodcarvers, November, 2003
1st Place
- Oklahoma City Wood Carvers, October, 2003
2nd Place
- Texas Woodcarvers, September, 2003
1st Place
- E. Oklahoma Woodcarvers, July, 2003
"The Lovers"
1st Place (Advanced)
- Quilceda Carvers, April, 2005
Best of Division (Advanced) - Quilceda Carvers, April, 2005
1st Place
- Pyrography - Spokane Woodcarvers, October, 2004
Best of Division (Advanced) - Spokane Woodcarvers, October, 2004
1st Place
- Pyrography - N. Texas Woodcarvers, March, 2003
Mayor's
Award - N. Texas Woodcarvers, March, 2003
1st Place
- Pyrography - Golden Spread Woodcarvers, November,
2002
"The Duke Portrait"
1st Place
- Pyrography - Chip 'O Texas Woodcarvers, February,
2003
3rd Place
- Pyrography - E. Texas Woodcarvers, November, 2002
Indian Maiden and Wolf
1st Place
(Advanced)
- Quilceda Woodcarvers, September, 2004
Best of Division (Advanced) - Quilceda Woodcarvers, September, 2004
3rd Place
- Rio Grand Valley Woodcarvers, January,
2003
"These Boots"
1st Place - Texas Woodcarvers Guild,
September, 2002
Eagle Bust
1st Place
- Animal Pyrography - Northwest Woodcarvers, November, 2004
1st Place
- N. Texas Woodcarvers, March, 2002
Warrior and the Wolf
1st Place
- Pyrography - Chip 'O Texas Woodcarvers, February,
2002
Sitting Bull
1st Place
- E. Texas Woodcarvers, November, 2001
Juried Shows where Nedra has
exhibited her work
2009
Art from the Vine juried show,
Arts Alliance Gallery, Albuquerque, NM
Judged Shows that Nedra has
entered
2008
Belen Art League, Belen, NM
Desert Woodcarvers, Mesa, AZ
Artistry in Wood, Wichita,
KS
2007
Kitsap Carvers, Bremerton,
WA
Tri-cities Woodcarvers, Kennewick, WA
Route 66 Art Society, Isleta, NM
2006
Ocean Shores Art Society, Ocean
Shores, WA
Kitsap Carvers, Bremerton,
WA
Quilceda Woodcarvers Show,
Monroe, WA
Maryhill Museum Art
Show, Goldendale, WA
Spokane Woodcarvers,
Spokane, WA
Northwest Woodcarvers
Show, Puyallup, WA
2005
Ocean Shores Art Society, Ocean
Shores, WA
Kitsap Carvers, Bremerton,
WA
Quilceda Woodcarvers Show,
Monroe, WA
Northwest Woodcarvers Show,
Puyallup, WA
Spokane Woodcarvers,
Spokane, WA
2004
Quilceda Woodcarvers Show,
Monroe, WA
Spokane Woodcarvers Show,
Spokane, WA
Northwest Woodcarvers,
Puyallup, WA
Spokane Woodcarvers,
Spokane, WA
2003
Rio Grand Valley Woodcarvers
Show, McAllen, TX
Chip 'O Texas Woodcarvers
Show, Harlingen, TX
N. Texas Woodcarvers Guild,
Grapevine, TX
E. Oklahoma Woodcarvers,
Tulsa, OK
Oklahoma City Woodcarvers
Show, Oklahoma City, OK
Texas Woodcarvers Guild
Spring and Fall Extravaganza, Fredericksburg, TX
E. Texas Woodcarvers, Tyler,
TX
2002
Chip 'O Texas Woodcarvers
Show, Harlingen, TX
N. Texas Woodcarvers Guild,
Grapevine, TX
Texas Woodcarvers Guild
Spring and Fall
Extravaganza, Fredericksburg, TX
E. Texas Woodcarvers, Tyler,
TX
Golden Spread woodcarvers,
Amarillo, TX
2001
E. Texas Woodcarvers, Tyler,
TX
