Q: “Are you just a performer, or do you also have a job?” A: “I’m a performer. So I have eighteen jobs. Thanks for asking.”

Revolva, a great performance artist and writer has written some pretty great articles illustrating her life as a performer. I, as most or all artists would, understand completely. One article is about when Oprah's agent called asking her to perform for free, and the other revolves around that dreadful question… do you have a job? They are great reads, check them out!

Here's a few words:

Q: “Are you just a performer, or do you also have a job?”
A: “I’m a performer. So I have eighteen jobs. Thanks for asking.”

 "it’s less a selfish life led by lazy, lucky people – than it is a selfless one led by people who often spend every waking moment dealing with (or even thinking about) some aspect of how to raise our art into the world, the way a mother raises a child."

http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2014/12/08/open-letter-oprah-whose-life-want-tour-asked-work-free-2

http://revolvahoopdance.wordpress.com/2011/12/06/do-you-have-a-job/

REVOLVA is an international hula hoop act, circus sensation, writer and character performer. Since 2002, she's traveled the globe, evoking laughter and standing ovations, under the motto: "Funny IS sexy!" - visit http://revolva.net

The Preserving Harold Project: PHP on display at The AG

"The North Now" exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery has been extended until Jan. 18th!



The Preserving Harold Project: PHP on display at The AG: Well, three pieces from the Preserving Harold Project are currently on display at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery (1080 Keewatin St., Thunder B...

Interview with CaHeP!

I was recently interviewed by Cahep, our local Community Arts and Heritage Education Project:

http://cahep.ca/meet-artist-carol-kajorinne/

This is a mixed media collage on mylar created by one of the students I have been so lucky to work with through Cahep in school programming! Learners were encouraged to think about paper as three dimensional -- working on both sides of the see through mylar and some even added pop-up elements. They looked brilliant hanging in the classroom window! 

Spiral Scarves are on Etsy!

Well, rather than having my Spiral Scarves lingering in the dark I've decided to put them up for sale on Etsy. You'll find them in our Pike Lake Forge store under the heading "Wearable Fibre Art". Five have been posted so far, and there's many more to come!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/211952243/orange-and-bright-yellow-spiral-scarf

PLF @ ANW & Art's Gallery

Pike Lake Forge had a great weekend at Artisans Northwest! See you again next year, and in the meantime visit us at Art's Gallery.

Above: Are showcase at Artisans Northwest.

Below: our boutique at Art's Gallery.

FYI: there is discussion that the gallery may close in the new year, so come by while you have a chance! If you know artists looking for retail or studio space, stop by and see Don between 10am -7pm Tues.-Sat. At 12st. Paul St., Thunder Bay.

I ran across from old notes...

from the beginning of Satellite Studio with my friend Rachel Vandenassum... And I find these notes still vary relevant today. A brisk insight into the realm of an artist:

It has been a challenge as sometimes it's hard to draw the line between work and play when you're following a passion that you love and is such an ingrained part of your life.  If art is all you want to do, and you confuse that with work or "practice", you sometimes forget how to play -- enjoy and let go of the stress that can sometimes arise.  From following a high energy role to fill; with sometimes a lack of income from it -- but always is growth and fulfilment along the way.  It's always a balancing act of creating and siting to do the paperwork and writing involved with beginning a business.

It is great to have someone to excite you, motivate you, as well as to offer their expertise and ability -- sometimes this way you can achieve things one of you had never imagined; and quicker.  We are very grateful to have one another help carry the work load as well as have someone to share the moments with.  As an artist, it is not a constant in ones creative life to find someone who is willing to commit themselves in order to help one another get to where they dream.  And someone who just wants to be there to share the experience; to enjoy the ride...

That being said, just sending out a Thanks to people like Rachel who was there in the beginning of this St. Paul St. journey -  and to Roly who came by today to share his insights! I appreciated all of you involved with this creative life I live. And since these notes, I have the greatest support in my life: Kriev - who is out of his mind for Blacksmithing, and Me! So Lucky am I, as we get to hang onto one another for support throughout this adventure as we build Pike Lake Forge from the ground up. We couldn't do it without one another. Thanks Kriev!

Pike Lake Forge is now on Pintrest!

http://www.pinterest.com/carolkajorinne/pike-lake-forge-creations/

PLF: Craft Show Display!

Mr. Greed

Hope to see you today or tomorrow at the Wynchwood Barns!

Pike Lake Forge: Keep an eye out for us in the Emerging Maker Court...

Pike Lake Forge: Keep an eye out for us in the Emerging Maker Court...: We've been busy producing a variety of items for the upcoming Craft Show! Giant Leaf Hook, by Kriev, Industrial Flower, by ...

The Craft Show 

Packing for Toronto!

Pike Lake Forge has been creating up a storm, preparing for the upcoming Craft Ontario Show in Toronto! http://www.craftontario.com/membership-programs/craft-show.html

Here's a sample of some of the artwork coming along for the ride:

Industrial Flower.                                                            Flora: Steel Mirror...

Bottle Openers.... we'll have Cork Screws too!

Fiddlehead: Steel mirror.

It'll be nice to bring  a couple of my Babies along with. I'd done these two so long ago, and are definite precursor to my diving into working primarily with metal. I would imitate metal surfaces using plaster, concrete, and acrylic paint and wood:

Rusting Rock, Plaster, acrylic paint and angle iron.

Rust Abstract, steel, concrete and acrylic on wood.

Pike Lake Forge creates many useful items for the home/cottage!

And last but not least, copper roses. I love making flowers.

I am a multidisciplinary artist with a strong focus on metalwork.  For years, I practiced the art of drawing and painting en-plein-air; recording the sun set and rise.  Now, as I manipulate steel using a torch or forge, I transform this element of light/sun I was once studying in my paintings and drawings into the actual tool I use to create my artwork. 

The Adventure Continues!

Well, I haven't created the time to blog lately as it sure is a busy but exciting time! I've been chained to the forge, but at least now and again exciting things happen to bring in some new energy and enthusiasm... Firstly Kriev and I are lucky to receive a business starter grant from the CEDC  for Pike Lake Forge. Next week Pike Lake Forge is heading to Toronto to showcase our metalwork in the Craft Ontario show... http://www.craftontario.com/membership-programs/craft-show.html .....and when we return I get to drop off three artworks from the Preserving Harold Project at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, as they've been accepted into the 2014 Northern Ontario Juried Exhibition! ... Oh and we were accepted into the Artisans NW show at the Valhalla Inn -- so you can find us there this November.  We haven't found much time for play or celebrating, but you'll find us downtown for Defsup's Hunger, as Kriev is playing with Phineas Gauge - be sure to check it out!

Pike Lake Forge: TGMG

Thunder Giant Metalsmith Guild Secretary Carol Kajorinne had the opportunity to be interviewed by Jenifer Norwel of CBC! Listen here: http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/Ontario/Up+North/ID/2514977881/

Pike Lake Forge: TGMG

Thunder Giant Metalsmith Guild Secretary Carol Kajorinne had the opportunity to be interviewed by Jenifer Norwel of CBC! Listen here: http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/Ontario/Up+North/ID/2514977881/

Pike Lake Forge: Carol Forges a Steel Flower...

Pike Lake Forge: Carol Forges a Steel Flower...: Flowers, flowers, flowers...  Make More Flowers.

Pike Lake Forge: You can find PLF out an about the next couple of m...

Pike Lake Forge: You can find PLF out an about the next couple of m...

Pike Lake Forge: Garcia at Abana

Pike Lake Forge: Garcia at Abana: One of the most exciting 2014 ABANA demos  was watching Antonio Diaz Gacia use a 200 lb press to forge a sculpture! http://www.antoniod...

Heading to Delaware!

Well, it's 5 days, 20 hours, 10 minutes and 30 seconds until Kriev and I will be at the ABANA Conference! https://www.abana.org/Conferences/2014/Conference.shtml

It's an exciting road trip.. but is it ever a lot of work to "tie up lose ends" before leaving town for three weeks. Aside from emails, phone calls, the odd jobs here and there...I had to submit applications to: Artisans Northwest, Hymers Fall Fair, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Pike Lake Forge is also enrolled in a business starter program, and so we have to submit our business plan while on the road.  But at least it'll be done! and within a great atmosphere, and with lots of time to contemplate and write as we'll be on the bus/train!

Look at the size of those conference grounds!!!!!

A benefit to cramming things in, I have so much done before leaving, that I get to enjoy the trip (aside from the business plan writing...) And when I get back, I'll be eager to sell at the Hymers Fall Fair, Precious Metals, and produce, produce, produce for the Craft Ontario show!  There are a couple of grants I've been working towards due in October too.. so we'll see what happens with those ;)

..and did I mention, we get to stay a night in Washington!  Yay, I get to visit the Smithsonian!

This is gonna be  AWESOME!

Debris with the SSAC

Creating "Debris" with the Satellite Studio Artist Collective (SSAC) has begun!  

"Debris" is an interactive installation of everyday objects along with mechanical and technological components that responds to the actions created by audience members.  Myself along with Collective members Sam Shahsahabi, Riaz Mehmood and Marianne Kyryluk are each working on panels that we will rotate amongst one another, building our artwork together. 

Elfarrow Apparel - Summer Collection 2014 Production

Check out this Elfarrow Apparel video.

I'm so proud of Kyley and it feels great to have such an inspiring force and friend around. Yet again on the drive to South Gillies tonight I couldn't help but dream big and reflect on my time spend with Kyley and how she inspires me to go with the flow and reach for those unimaginable dreams, no matter the size. If you haven't checked out her shop on Algoma St. S. in Thunder Bay, you should! We've also got some pics on our Pike Lake Forge blog (under commissions), documenting the creation of our metalwork to display her line.

http://pikelakeforge.blogspot.ca

The metalwork for Elfarrow was our first large project, and really helped push our limits.  These are Kriev's first Brackets, hand forged and no two the same.  :)  

~! Y - A R T Sale This SAt. !~

This Sat. is Buskers Fest, 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/2014-Valley-Fresh-Buskers-Festival/428174357326315?fref=ts

and I'll be at the Y-art Sale in the Midsummer Garden, behind the Hoito. 

Not only am I selling my metalwork, 

but I really want to focus on getting rid of a lot of art supplies for super cheap 

...I'm gonna have to fit as many things into a small, little space as possible, 

so here are only some of the items up for grabs:

-an entire bin of jewellery supplies -- I have spent hundreds of dollars over time, but I'm letting it go. I'll bring baggies, but maybe someone wants to by the whole works or a container or two? .. or three? There's not only fresh water pearls, but wooden ones... seed beads... seashells... and many others...

-Frames! wood with glass....some random little ones too...

-Acrylic Paint tubs... not going for as cheap. 

-tempera paints - selling 4 cheap & good 4 kids!

-lace/ribbons .... embroidery floss

-FABRIC... tonnes of fabric.. FABRIC

-faux fur.... and some random things for wearable art...

-polymer clay, supplies & books

-random sculpture supplies... need I say more? truck hoses & things.. why I have them, I don't know -- need something particular, let me know, maybe I can scrounge it up and bring it for you!

hmmm and there's more. like clothing.. but I think you get the drift. 

Basically, with focussing on metalwork these days, I just don't need so much stuff and I'd much rather it be loved and needed by other talented folks ;)

Hope to see you there!

The Die Active Y-Art Sale is an annual sale 

featuring talented artists under the age of 30 residing in Thunder Bay. 

Definitely Superior Artist-Run Centre and Gallery's Die Active (with 500+ members) 

is led by Lora Northway and David Hotson.  

Find out more by joining the group page on Facebook, or by visiting the DefSup website at:

https://www.facebook.com/events/900023503356768/

http://www.definitelysuperior.com

An Interview with Thunderbay Live

Carol Kajorinne sits down with Thunder Bay LIVE to discuss Art’s Gallery and the “Preserving Harold Project”. - See more at: http://thunderbaylive.com/carol-kajorinne-interview-discussing-arts-gallery/#sthash.rE9gkvCA.dpuf

http://thunderbaylive.com

http://thunderbaylive.com/carol-kajorinne-interview-discussing-arts-gallery/

A Portal to Thunder Bay Culture

http://www.thewalleye.ca  ~ click link... I dare you!

For those of you who may happen to stumble upon my blog, I felt I should share a snipit of Thunder Bay's culture. It's pretty awesome up here. I know I don't plan on going anywhere... well not for long time periods anyways.  Mostly I aim to develop myself and return more able and willing to share.  It's exciting up here, vibrant, and full of culture.  The art and music scene is flourishing.  And the Walleye Magazine does a great job at illustrating our town.  Way to go Tbay!

http://www.thewalleye.ca/category/current-issue/

Longing for an intense opportunity...

 Although I love learning Blacksmithing from Dave Hanson of Duluth, and hope to go spend some time with him again this year, I'm longing for some intense "Throw me RIght IN there" kind of mentoring where I can really focus on how to draft large scale sculptures and forge large pieces of steel.  SO I emailed Albert Paley and Rachel David (Red Metal)!  Now it's the waiting game... let's see if they get back to me about mentoring possibilities for 2015? :D  Rachel will be demonstrating at this years ABANA Conference, so I am super stoked and hope to discuss such matters with her then.  Take a look at their websites listed below:

http://albertpaley.com

http://redmetal.net

Preserving Harold Project Gallery Exhibition Proposal

Well, I've finally hunkered down to write a gallery proposal to show the Preserving Harold Project. Here's a snip-it from my artist statement:

The Preserving Harold Project (P.H.P.) is an emotionally based art project, stemming from the sudden death of my Uncle Harold.  Although the project is rooted in personal experience, family and my/our method of grieving, it also speaks to greater themes of life cycles and rebirth. Through the manipulation of photographs, light, sound, video, as well as the collection and assemblage of objects, the P.H.P documents family and property; and turns objects into ornaments.

            My artistic process is an integral part of my artwork, lending to the overall essence I aim for.  I began incorporating steel into my artistic process while working on the P.H.P.  The simple steel hangers forged for the P.H.P. are not only functional and decorative, but also are meaningful, resembling the invisible roots that connect and hold everything together.  As I heated and pounded the steel while thinking about Harold, his house, and family, my mental process developed, as hammering requires precision of intent and presence in the moment.  The process of blacksmithing also relates to a common theme of rebirth that permeates my work, as all elements (water, air, earth, fire) are required when transforming steel.  The Preserving Harold Project marks the beginning of a journey in steel, as I forge connections with a focus on family.

To view more about the Preserving Harold Project visit my blog at http://preservingharoldproject.blogspot.ca 

Thunder Giant Metalsmith Guild

I'm soooo excited! 

     I love when new projects grow from new relationships with like-minded artists.  I've been co-ordinating the creation of a guild up here in NW Ontario - we now call ourselves the "Thunder Giant Metalsmith Guild". What I find to be most exciting is meeting the people who are drawn to this group.  Many members are young or have a youthful energy that excites us all.  I'm sure we will go far.  It's exciting to have people to share our talents with, teach, learn, and overall exchange and excite one another. Our current project is writing a proposal for an open call to artists.  Whether we are finalists or not, it's a great opportunity to discover others interested in working on large scale projects.  Super exciting times!  

Now that's what I like to see!  

...Look at the size of that steel!  Glad to have you as a member of the guild Steve Sitko, looking forward to working with you and hearing about your experience.

CAHEP- in school projects

While gallery sitting today, I'm working on examples for my CAHEP in-school projects. 

This work-in-progress is my "Blue Heron Mask". Between sessions I work on the mask further to show the class in our next visit.  This way I can work alongside the students, and show them how I get to the end product. This years theme for Artists-in-the-5th is "Spirit of the North" so at Gorham and Ware (where I went to elementary school!), we're creating animal masks exuding a northern spirit. All CAHEP Artists-in-the-5th projects will be on display again this year at the Folklore Festival so be sure to check 'em out!

Below is another work-in-progress for my CAHEP Forest of Reading Project. I love F.O.R. projects, learners create works of art inspired by books! The project I'll be leading at St. Margaret school is based on "If you hold a seed" by Elly MacKay. We'll be creating mixed-media images on mylar, exploring transparency while creating imaginative scenes looking out our window. 

Looking out my window I see bunnies eating lucky clover. 

It's warm and sunny, just after a spring rain.

A majority of the time I lead mixed media in-school projects; with no two ever the same.

It's always interesting for myself as an artist, because I tend to try new things and have to explore the medium deeper.  Collaborating with teachers/teacher-librarian is also always a benefit as well as a challenge, as our two/three brains when put together come up with very interesting projects. I say it can also be a challenge when collaborating with other non-arts related teachers because as an artist going into the classroom, we are also there share our knowledge with the teachers.  Sometimes teachers can be more stuck on creating realistic works of art than the students are, or sometimes they are eager to pull out their own art materials to add into the mix - when sometimes, you just can't paint before you glue for instance.  But nevertheless it's always exciting to see teachers alongside their students eager to learn.  And we, the artists are always growing.

In my projects I rarely aim for exactness and love encouraging students to create abstract images.  It's always tough though, getting the learners to fully understand what "abstract" art is and how to create it.  At least throwing some new techniques and creative ways of creating surfaces makes up for the realism that most people tend to aim for.  Each class I learn what to do/not to do when attempting to aim for abstract.  And sometimes I just roll with it.  As long as they're enjoying themselves, that's what counts.

Satellite Studio Artist Collective

Exciting News has arrived along with this spring weather! The Satellite Studio Artist Collective (myself, Marianne Kyryluk, Sam Shahsahabi, and Riaz Mehmood) are recipients of an OAC Visual Arts Project grant! Looking forward to transforming 12A St. Paul St. in Thunder Bay into an interactive installation of everyday objects along with mechanical and technological components that responds to the actions created by audience members. The project will be complete for Urban Infill 2015, can't wait! This is a project I've been dreaming of for the past..three years. It's nice to feel your dreams coming into fruition. :) Here are some pictures from "S.I.G.N.A.L.S." a wearable art piece that the Satellite Studio collective created for this years Derelicte. (A wearable art fundraiser for Definitely Superior Artist Run Centre). Modelled by Me. :)

S.I.G.N.A.L.S. was also modelled at Definitely Superior's 2014 

Urban Infill Art in the Core 8.  

Modelled by me, at Art's Gallery next door to Satellite Studio.  

Due to the change of venue (Derelicte was in a bar, although none of these are stage shots),

I wanted to make the outfit a little more tasteful for that bright gallery light and also keep warm for the three hours I modelled.  Thus, I wore my Mummu's fox around my neck, which also added an interesting element to the piece.  I also wore my grandmothers earrings. 

Interested in viewing more wearable art /art projects by local artists involved in Urban Infill or Derelicte?

Visit Definitely Superior Art Gallery online:

http://www.definitelysuperior.com

Hudson Bay Lowlands Hat

This is my "Hudson Bay Lowlands Hat" example I've created for my upcoming Artists-in-the-5th CAHEP project at St. Bernard school. This will be the third year in a row that I've been invited to work with the same teacher, and I must say the results have been getting better and better. We have a great relationship, and because of our friendship I feel comfortable pushing boundaries and making challenging projects for the students. I can't wait to see what they create and I hope they love my example as much as I do!

Well, making these hats was by-far my favourite in-school project to date!  

So much fun!

:D

Balance and CAHEP

Well, this year has been fast paced, that's for sure.  

Seems I've been practicing the art of Balance.  Which can be challenging.  

Mostly mentally,
as borders become hard to define and at times I wonder if they're necessary.  

Borders are merely abstract ideas we create in order to organize and make sense of our social selves.  So when I'm wondering if I've been spending enough time doing this or that... 

it's all part of the same puzzle and fills my days with Art.  

So is there a line between Art and Life?  I'm not sure.  

But believing their aren't any lines separating my self makes me feel sane and grounded.  

Mental balance is more important than physical.  

Artists practice balancing their days -- going from teaching grade fours, to working at a community group, to meetings, organizing programs, making art, selling art,
creating commissions.... 

So if we get stuck on how our days are "suppose" to look like... we would go crazy!

I'm thinking about this as I've been having an interesting past couple weeks, and have been

pondering the position artists maintain in society.  

Working for non-profit organizations, 

we offer free art programming for the public and especially those that cannot access creative activities alone.  Almost every day during a free March break camp for CAHEP (Community Arts & Heritage Education Project), someone asked if I was a volunteer-- 

and I could hear in their tone of voice that they assumed I was a volunteer.  

I would just chuckle, as I laughed at peoples notions of what it means to be an artist.  

All I can say is I am very happy and enthusiastic about my work, and the chance I get to work in the community, provide creative opportunities, and brighten peoples days.
Thanks CAHEP!

 ... and why I went off about balance is because I now am assisting CAHEP in organizing some of their community outreach programs.
It's a very rewarding job, and hasn't been too much to handle.  

But at times I do have to give myself that extra push
to get into the studio and do something for me.
And so far I have done it.  

Other times I have to accept that there are no lines. 

I shouldn't be doing this or that.  I just Am.

Live Life Art!

Interested in CAHEP?  Visit their website or find them on Facebook :)
http://cahep.ca