Ishama Designs: Art for the Healing Soul

Ishama Designs was founded by artist and mother Latisha Baker. Latisha states that "My products are expressions of unity and spirituality, with an ultimate objective to promote healing, transformation and reconciliation. I do believe that you create your own life with your thoughts, actions, words and habits."

Latisha is a self-taught artist who continues to evolve in her own unique and creative way. She lives in Oakland with her husband and two children who are both aspiring artists in the making.

What is Pyrography?

Pyrography is the burning of material, the fascination and the magic of fire. It is delight in form and the thrill of graphic expression - to pyrograve is to rediscover a primitive technique.

-Bernard Havez & Jean-Claude Varlet "Pyrographic: The Art of Woodburning"

Pyrography is done with a handheld penlike tool and can be found at almost any arts and crafts store. There are many electric and variable control-burning systems. These tools can heat a low as 750 degrees to a high as 2,000 degrees and beyond in seconds. There are many different tips used for making different designs and techniques.

This form of art is comparably unique to any other art form that exists today. This art form is versatile because it can be done on wood, leather, plastic, gourds, paper and many other surfaces.