For winter 2016 I made Lichenberg Figures. I used a 5kV 10mA (50W) neon light transformer. I also experimented with a 2kW microwave oven transformer, but found that the lower powered neon transformer produced finer, better, and safer results.

To produce the figures, I would first apply the electricity to the wood, often at the corners. Initially the resistance of the wood is not sufficient to allow any burning. Then I would use a spray bottle full of water/baking soda to moisten the surface of the wood until the electricity could find the path of least resistance and start the burning reaction. With the low-power neon transformer the burning is slow and takes hours.

To guide the reaction in an “aesthetically pleasing way”, I used a heat gun to temporarily dry out parts of the wood, creating channels of low-resistance surface water. This technique is most evident on piece #10. It was also used on #15 to evenly cover the entire (large) piece.

After the electrical treatment, each piece was finished with varnish, matted, framed, and shipped. Below is a gallery of final results. Each was given to a friend or family member as a winter gift:

Piece 01: 14"x7" Mahogany

Piece 02: 12"x7" Birch

Piece 03: 12"x7" Birch

Piece 04: 12"x7" Mahogany

Piece 05: 14"x7" Mahogany

Piece 06: 7.5"x7.5" Birch

Piece 07: 7.5"x7.5" Mahogany

Piece 08: 7.5"x7.5" Mahogany

Piece 10: 18"x7.5" Mahogany

Piece 11: 18"x7.5" Mahogany

Piece 12: 24"x7.5" Mahogany

Piece 13: 24"x7.5" Mahogany

Piece 14: 24"x5.5" Oak

Piece 15: 24"x24" MDF

Piece 16: 24"x5.5" Poplar

Piece 17: 24"x7.5" Birch

Piece 18: 37"x5.5" Mahogany

Piece 20: 18"x5.5" Mahogany