Smoke art on display at library

By Alyssa WilliamsJ. Joel Edwards Public LibraryDuring the month of February, the J. Joel Edwards Public Library is hosting the beautiful and unique artwork of Pike County native, Heather Clark McLaurin. McLaurin began painting as a small child and, over the last five years, has turned her passion into a career. She is a self-taught artist and has worked with a variety of media including watercolor, acrylic, oils and inks. She even creates personalized pieces for customers who provide a photo. However, the pieces that are currently on display at the library are special because they were created using smoke. This type of art, referred to as fumage, a type of pyrography, is very uncommon, and McLaurin is one of only a handful of artists worldwide to use it in their work. Although admirers have asked the secret for creating such mesmerizing fumage art, her standard answer is, ‘That’s why it’s called a secret.’McLaurin’s creations have been seen locally at Art in the Garden and the Concord Jubilee, and a sampling can also be seen at Safehouse Coffee in Griffin. McLaurin has provided commissioned pieces across the country from Alaska to Florida and Hawaii, and even internationally to Australia and Israel. McLaurin’s passion for spreading the love of art has led her to share her wisdom and techniques with groups of all ages at the 567 Center for Renewal in Macon, as well as monthly lessons at the Spalding County Senior Center. She also offers private parties in which she walks participants through each step of creating their own masterpieces. She is also the author of I’m Tired & I Need A Nap, a survival guide for new and expecting parents. More of her work can be viewed on her website at heathermclaurinart.com.