I researched charcoal production in Ghana. Charcoal, a medium I adore, features in many of my drawings. My goal for this research was to investigate the production process of vine charcoals utilizing simple tools and local trees found in Ghana and integrate them into my work for added context.

Figure 1. Milk Bush Plant - A tree that grows on most dry lands in Ghana.

Figure 1. Milk Bush Plant - A tree that grows on most dry lands in Ghana.

Figure 2. Peeling off the leaves

Figure 2. Peeling off the leaves

Figure 3. Cutting the milk bush sticks

Figure 3. Cutting the milk bush sticks

Figure 4. Peeling off the back

Figure 4. Peeling off the back

Figure 5. Peak milk tin

Figure 5. Peak milk tin

Figure 6. Packed milk bush sticks in the tin

Figure 6. Packed milk bush sticks in the tin

Figure 7. Creating holes in the lid

Figure 7. Creating holes in the lid

Figure 8. Setting the milk bush sticks on fire

Figure 8. Setting the milk bush sticks on fire

Figure 9. Burning milk bush sticks

Figure 9. Burning milk bush sticks

Figure 10. Opened tin after some time on fire

Figure 10. Opened tin after some time on fire

Figure 11. Vine Charcoal sticks ready for use

Figure 11. Vine Charcoal sticks ready for use

Figure 12. An artwork made by incorporating some of the vine charcoals made with the milk bush sticks

Figure 12. An artwork made by incorporating some of the vine charcoals made with the milk bush sticks