Carter Nelson harnesses the sun to create art with purpose

Seventeen-year-old Carter Nelson has found a unique way to combine creativity, entrepreneurship, and a love of the outdoors. With just a magnifying glass, a sunny day, and his steady hand, Carter practices “solar pyrography”—the art of burning intricate designs into wood using the focused power of the sun. His business, Burning Love, takes this craft one step further by offering personalized designs, including the option for clients to provide wood with special meaning to them, making each piece truly one of a kind.

A junior in high school and a competitive swimmer, Carter is channeling his artistic and entrepreneurial spirit into building a business with heart. Ten percent of Burning Love’s proceeds will support Soul River, a nonprofit that connects veterans dealing with PTSD and inner-city youth to healing experiences in nature.

With the support of his Hunter Watson Memorial Fund grant, Carter is growing a venture that blends innovation, artistry, and community impact—values that reflect the spirit of Hunter Watson himself.