Observations of Life on Earth: Mark Towner’s Pyroglyphs on Sycamore Bark

These unique artworks are from the artist’s latest series of signs, symbols, pictures, and words carved with fire into Sycamore bark. Science, philosophy, mathematics, astrology, and so much more are covered in his various pieces, which are usually about one square foot each.

This one day “pop-up” is at the incredible BacoVino’s Waterfront Tasting Room, conveniently located at 80 Yesler Way, It’s the perfect spot to enjoy their handcrafted wines while being the first people ever to see samples of Towner’s most recent creations. Themes in his art range from the ancient Caduceus to the most recent discovery of spin waves known as Magnons. In one work, he illustrated the most famous mathematics formula ever, Einstein’s E=MC2; and in another, an obscure mathematical formula by B.W. Betts in which he modeled human consciousness through geometry.

Towner earned his BA from Columbia College-Chicago, his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art, and Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from Endicott College. He is the owner and creative director of Towner Arts Consulting, a local firm assisting galleries, museums, universities, non-profits, and artists.