We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jackie Lewis. Check out our conversation below.
Jackie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Lately, I’ve felt like I’m wandering into a new territory in my artistic journey. I’m intentionally stepping outside my comfort zone, trying to lead more with instinct and emotion than overthinking every step. While there’s still a thoughtful process behind each piece, I’m experimenting with loosening up my approach—especially with pyrography, which is typically a very controlled and precise medium. I’m working to blend that with a more abstract, expressive style, and I’m beginning to incorporate elements of abstract painting and mixed media into my work. For the past few years, I’ve been focused on challenging the perception that pyrography is just a craft—I’m passionate about pushing it forward as a legitimate form of fine art.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a pyrography artist creating emotionally driven, mixed media works that explore the connections between nature, music, and human experience. Since starting in 2017, my practice has evolved to blend traditional woodburning with abstract painting and layered materials, allowing each piece to speak through texture, color, and form.
I draw inspiration from organic shapes, sound, and personal experiences. I hand-select each individual board for both original and commissioned pieces, sourcing my wood locally and often reclaiming it from materials that would otherwise be discarded. The natural grain, imperfections, and shape of each board help guide the direction of my work.
While I respect pyrography’s craft roots, I aim to push its boundaries into fine art. My work goes beyond decorative imagery to explore themes like trauma, healing, and reflection. I want each piece to do more than decorate a space—I want it to connect, provoke thought, and spark conversation.
With a background in architecture and training in design, sculpture, and photography, I bring a multidisciplinary approach to my art. I’m currently based in Clarksville, TN, where I’m an active member of the Downtown Artists Cooperative. My work has been shown across Middle Tennessee and in juried exhibitions including Riverfest, TN Craft, and APSU’s Annual Juried Student Show.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
At heart, I’ve always been an artist. When I got to school, I discovered a deep interest in math, science, design, and building—but no matter what I explored, I always found myself coming back to art. My first degree was in architecture, which felt like a perfect blend of those disciplines. But what truly drew me in was the design process and the conceptual thinking behind it.
Years later, as an adult, I returned to school—this time to formally study art. I’ve come to realize that, even though society often treats art as optional or secondary, it’s actually central to how we communicate and connect. Art is all around us: in the signage we see, the music we listen to, the books and films that move us. It’s how we tell stories, express emotion, and make sense of the world. In many ways, art is what defines us as human.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I’ve experienced wounds that many others carry too—being bullied as a child, the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, and in recent years, the devastating loss of close friends to addiction and domestic violence. Some of these losses leave marks that never fully heal. But I try to honor their lives by continuing to move forward with mine.
I recognize that I have the chance to pursue dreams and create meaning through my work—opportunities that some of those I’ve lost will never get. That awareness fuels my drive. It reminds me not to take any of it for granted, and to create art that not only expresses my own story but speaks to the shared struggles and strength in others.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Definitely my kids and my art—and anyone who knows me wouldn’t be wrong in saying that. My kids bring so much light into my life. They remind me of a simpler time and give me real hope for the future. The kindness they show is something the world could use more of.
My art, on the other hand, keeps me grounded. It’s how I process the world around me and within me. I’ve never been someone who’s great with words, so visual art has always been my way of speaking—of expressing what I feel when words fall short.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
One thing I truly regret is not getting to know my grandparents better while they were still alive. They both passed when I was still a teenager, and looking back, I just wasn’t mature enough to understand the importance of learning where you come from. My grandmother was actually the one who introduced me to oil painting. I was decent at it, but never quite as skilled as she was. I wish I had taken the time to learn more from her—not just about painting, but about who she was as a person.
My grandfather always intimidated me a bit, which probably made me hold back more than I should have. But I also recognize that the teenage years are tough, and I try to give that younger version of myself some grace.
Now, as I reflect on where I am in my artistic journey, I often think about how proud my grandmother might be of the work I’m doing today. I imagine what it would be like for them to walk through one of my art receptions—it would mean everything. Our elders hold so much wisdom. If yours are still around, take the time to really get to know them. You’ll never regret asking more questions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jackieclewisdesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pyrography_artist_jackie_lewis/
Image Credits
All photos take by Jackie Lewis at Lorenzo Swinton Gallery in Clarksville, TN.
