Our Spotlight on the Arts for December 2025 shines brightly on fractal burning artist, Michael Davenport, of MSD Designs!
What is fractal burning art?
Fractal burning art, also known as Lichtenburg Wood Burning, is a form of artwork created by using high voltage electricity to burn intricate, branching lightning-like patterns into wood or other materials.
How long have you been involved with this unique art form, and how did you learn the process?
Approximately five years ago, a friend and I began researching how to build the machine and the process to fractal burn wood. It was a couple of years later that I really began to play around with electrocuting different wooden objects such as walking sticks, wood carvings, tables, etc. This jump started my creative process, and I began making art pieces and furniture.
This art form involves a certain element of danger and personal safety risks due to the high voltage levels. What safety measures do you have in place?
Fractal burning is an EXTREMELY dangerous activity, and some people have even been killed by it. I use a variac (big dimmer switch) to turn down and up the voltage depending on the demand. I wear rubber gloves rated to resist up to 12,000 volts. I’m never closer than 18″ from the electricity side of things.
Do you have a favorite aspect of fractal burning?
My favorite is conceptual, which is the aspect of harmonizing energy and nature, fractal geometry, life, and chaos. There is a balance within all these aspects of fractal burning.
Combining the science of electricity, the craft of wood working, art planning and design, and trying to capture the symbolism/meaning for the customer makes all of my pieces one-of-a-kind!
Tell us more about your small business, MSD Designs!
I have just begun this journey, and I don’t want to be someone that just produces a product to sell. I want to provide a service that produces a feeling, an expression, or a certain type of energy.
Each piece is created not with just any fractal art form, but a combination of laser engraving, color, and intensity that is unique to fractal burning. Every art piece should have its own motivation and its own intent, truly giving it a one-of-a-kind connection with not only myself but anyone who views it.
What are your other interests outside of your work as an artist?
I tend to do things that challenge my skills and my ability to think outside the box. I have always been interested in working with wood, whether it be construction, remodeling, or just making projects.
I also service and repair sewing machines. Sewing has become more popular but there are very few places available to keep the machines running properly or provide repairs when the machines break.
What gives me the most pleasure is helping other people, no matter what the need.
Thank you, Michael, for sharing your story and being a valued member of our creative community!
Links of Interest
- Website: Msddesignz.com (the website is in process of being updated but is open) – https://msddesignz.com/
Social links:
- MSD Designz – YouTube
https://youtube.com/@msddesigns2023?si=o4eMUpsuQOymIl5x
- MSD Designs – Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/share/1bGsEEXpPB
- MSD Designs – Instagram @msd_designs23 (Michael Davenport)
https://www.instagram.com/msd_designs23
Upcoming Events – Find Michael Here!
- Holiday Market with The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who – Town Market in Leonardtown. Friday, November 28th from 9 AM – 7 PM (same day as the Leonardtown Christmas Tree Lighting). (www.facebook.com/share/1FyTnAfHYj/)
- Holiday Market at the Cardinal Creek Plant Farm, Inc., 5180 Sixes Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. November 29th, 2025 from 9 AM – 2 PM. (https://www.cardinalcreekplantfarm.com/)
- Nighttime Christmas Market at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center. December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20th, 2025. (https://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/nightly-schedule)
- Daytime Christmas Market at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center. December 13th, 2025 from 9 AM – 2 PM. (https://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/holiday-market-7)