Meet Minisa Robinson | Wood Burning Artist and Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Minisa Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Minisa, why did you pursue a creative career?
Art has always been a part of who I am. I’m the daughter of a professional oil painter, and I was fortunate to grow up roaming the mountains with him and my family, watching him paint and soaking in the beauty of the natural world around us. Some of my fondest memories are of exploring art galleries as a child and experimenting with every medium I could get my hands on.

Over the years, I tried drawing, painting, and crafting, but when I discovered pyrography, it felt like something clicked—I had finally found my true calling. Wood burning allows me to combine my love of nature, storytelling, and fine detail in a way no other medium ever had. It’s patient, tactile, and incredibly expressive. I fell in love with the process.

Pursuing a creative career has also given me the freedom to be home with my family, homeschool my three children, and stay connected to the land and lifestyle I love. I work and live in the mountains, and my art reflects the wild beauty that surrounds me every day.

Along the way, I founded Wood Burning University, a place where I can teach others this unique art form and help build a supportive, creative community. Through it, I’ve been able to share my passion, encourage new artists, and preserve the timeless skill of pyrography. That’s why I chose this path—and why I continue to walk it with joy and purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a wood burning artist, I specialize in creating highly detailed and realistic pyrography art using nothing more than a simple heated metal tool. I work with natural wood surfaces and use the controlled application of heat to burn lifelike images directly into the wood—everything from wildlife and landscapes to portraits and textures. It’s a slow, thoughtful process, and I’m drawn to the patience and precision it requires. What sets my work apart is that I can achieve a level of depth, realism, and fine detail in wood burning that few artists in this medium achieve.

I’m also a teacher at heart. Through my instructional work, I take complex pyrography projects and break them down into clear, approachable steps that others can follow with confidence. Whether through my YouTube channel, DVDs, books, or live online courses at Wood Burning University, I strive to make wood burning accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for artists at every skill level.

One of my proudest moments as an artist was having one of my original wood burnings displayed in an art exhibit alongside one of my father’s beautiful oil landscapes. It fulfilled a lifelong dream of sharing a gallery wall with him, and it felt like a full-circle moment in my creative journey.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I started by experimenting—trying different types of wood, various techniques, and a wide range of subjects. I’m entirely self-taught, and I pushed myself to take on harder and more intricate pieces over time. Sharing my art on social media was both rewarding and eye-opening. I discovered a global community of pyrography artists, which was incredibly encouraging. But I also faced unexpected negativity—some people accused me of faking my work or using a laser instead of doing it by hand.

While those comments were frustrating, they lit a fire in me. I launched my YouTube channel to show my process in real time and prove that my work was authentic. That choice turned into something much bigger—it became a way to connect with others, teach what I know, and inspire new artists to fall in love with pyrography. The support I received encouraged me to create a series of instructional DVDs, and eventually, I wrote two books on wood burning as well.

I’ve learned that the creative path is rarely straight or smooth, but persistence, community, and staying true to your passion can carry you through. Every challenge has shaped me, and every step has been worth it.

I want the world to know that my work is about more than just creating beautiful art—it’s about connection, growth, and making something meaningful with your own two hands. My brand, Wood Burning University, was built to support and encourage artists of all skill levels, especially those who might be picking up a wood burning tool for the first time. I believe art should be approachable, inspiring, and deeply personal, and I strive to teach in a way that reflects that.

My own story is rooted in family, faith, nature, and perseverance. I live and work in the mountains of Colorado, surrounded by the beauty that inspires so much of what I create. I’m a self-taught artist, a homeschooling mom, and the daughter of a professional oil painter who showed me how to see the world through an artist’s eyes. I’ve walked a long road to get to where I am—building my skills from scratch, navigating both praise and criticism, and ultimately creating a life and a business that align with my values.

Through every book I write, every pattern I design, and every class I teach, my goal is to help others discover the joy of pyrography and the satisfaction that comes from creating something real and lasting. My art is a reflection of who I am—but more importantly, it’s an invitation for others to explore their own creative voice.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a good friend came to visit me here in the Glenwood Springs and Rifle, Colorado area, I’d want to show them some of the beautiful places that make this part of the state so special. We’d probably start with a trip to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The rides are fun, but honestly, my favorite part is exploring the caves. They’re absolutely stunning—cool, quiet, and full of that natural beauty you don’t forget.

After that, we’d definitely spend some time soaking in the Glenwood Hot Springs. There’s something really calming about relaxing in that warm water while looking up at the mountains. I’d also love to take them out to Coulter Lake Guest Ranch, just north of Rifle. It’s so peaceful out there, and a great place to slow down for a bit. I also have a strong family history with the ranch and would love to share that with my friend.

One of the highlights would be a drive across the Flat Tops—it’s one of the most scenic and beautiful routes around. We’d end up at Meadow Lake, where we could fish, take in the views, or just enjoy the quiet. It’s one of those spots where you feel really connected to nature.

For food, we’d keep it simple and local. Miner’s Claim in Silt has great meals, and The Italian Underground in Glenwood Springs is always a solid choice—good pasta and a nice cozy atmosphere. If the weather’s nice, we’d probably get in a hike or two as well. Hanging Lake is a classic around here, and for good reason—it’s quite the steep hike, but it’s totally worth it to see the emerald lake at the top of the trail.

Overall, we’d keep things relaxed. Good food, fresh air, time on the trails or by the water—just enjoying what this area naturally has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my father, Lanny Grant. He’s an incredibly talented oil painter known for his realistic landscape paintings, and he’s been a huge positive influence on my life and my journey as an artist. Growing up, I had the privilege of watching him paint out in nature—brush in hand, capturing the beauty of the mountains and wilderness around us. He not only taught me the value of craftsmanship and patience, but also how to truly see the world through an artist’s eyes.

His passion for art, love for the outdoors, and steady encouragement gave me the foundation I needed to pursue my own creative path. I’m endlessly grateful for the example he set—not just as an artist, but as a father and mentor. Much of what I do today, both in my own work and through teaching others at Wood Burning University, is rooted in those early lessons and the creative spirit he passed on to me.

Website: https://www.woodburninguniversity.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minisa_robinson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WoodBurningUniversity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MinisaWoodBurningUniversity