The Waterfront District BIA had the Thunder Giant Metalsmith Guild forge tree guards for St. Paul street. I felt hesitant to leave this one I created behind- like I was leaving my own child behind. A lot of time and intent went into this piece.
Friday 11 December 2015
Sunday 8 November 2015
Monday 26 October 2015
On Tumblr I share some personal insights...
Oh and did I mention when I began working with Youth Social Infrastructure Collaborative (YSI) earlier this year, I began a Tumblr?
Check it out:
http://carolinekajorinne.tumblr.com/
Check it out:
http://carolinekajorinne.tumblr.com/
Pike Lake Forge: It's been one busy year for Pike Lake Forge!
As a multidisciplinary artist, arts educator, and creative entrepreneur - I must say it's been one hell of year. Exciting and full of change - gearing up for a prosperous and hopefully a bit more relaxing 2016.
Pike Lake Forge: It's been one busy year for Pike Lake Forge!: Firstly, we moved into a new homestead this spring that's been in the family since the 1920's when Carols great-great Grandparents b...
Pike Lake Forge: It's been one busy year for Pike Lake Forge!: Firstly, we moved into a new homestead this spring that's been in the family since the 1920's when Carols great-great Grandparents b...
Tuesday 18 August 2015
The Preserving Harold Project: The PHP will finally be on display for all to see ...
Thanks to the OAC Northern Arts Program support in the creation of this body of work.
Thursday 30 July 2015
My Pike Lake Forge public art proposal for Algoma Street has made it to the final round. The proposed work includes a weather vane, cedar bench and steel panels to be designed based on community feedback.
You can provide feedback for the jury by visiting the City of Thunder Bay's Website:
http://www.thunderbay.ca/Living/culture_and_heritage/Public_Art/Algoma_Street_Sculpture_Community_Comments.htm
You can provide feedback for the jury by visiting the City of Thunder Bay's Website:
http://www.thunderbay.ca/Living/culture_and_heritage/Public_Art/Algoma_Street_Sculpture_Community_Comments.htm
Photo taken during my presentation to the City.
Ilma, Vesi, Maa, Tuli celebrates our interconnected relationship with the four elements air, water,
earth, fire. We, as everything, are comprised of
the elements and through this project I will explore this interconnected
relationship, for instance:
We are all comprised of
water. Water is an element that affects
us in ways often left undiscovered. Think of how the moon affects the tides -
how does the moon and water direct our
daily lives? Some questions to be explored throughout the creative process are:
-What is
our current, past and future relationship with water?
-How has
water shaped our community? Our family?
-How has water directed us here?
I will reach out to the community to ask questions such as these, and the collected responses will guide the imagery to be on the steel panels. The community’s input will provide a reflection of the current and diverse thoughts and beliefs of the community and will empower the artwork with a sense of community and connectedness. The team of artists who will translate the community input into images for the panels will ensure that the images selected are not solely my own, but are a diverse reflection of the community’s input.
-How has water directed us here?
I will reach out to the community to ask questions such as these, and the collected responses will guide the imagery to be on the steel panels. The community’s input will provide a reflection of the current and diverse thoughts and beliefs of the community and will empower the artwork with a sense of community and connectedness. The team of artists who will translate the community input into images for the panels will ensure that the images selected are not solely my own, but are a diverse reflection of the community’s input.
Art Bus Launch
The City of Thunder Bay launched the Art Bus designed by Satellite Studio Artist Collective this past week. Looking forward to seeing it on the streets! Interior panels provided by CaHeP.
Thursday 11 June 2015
YSI Spirit Circles
Well, we've lead two Spirit Circles and have two to go!
In the process, YSI is documenting the project via Tumblr, so I made myself an account too.
You can follow YSI Spirit Circles via #ysispiritcircles
or myself as
#carolinekajorinne
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Self Portrait Pike Lake and my Artist Statement
Self Portrait Pike Lake, May 2015
Here I'm sitting on the old white chair Mummu once sat upon.
Below you'll find an up-to-date artist statement I felt the urge to share as I begin this new journey living the space my Mummu was raised:
Carol Kajorinne: Artist Statement
My
heritage and the lands my ancestors and I inhabit are an integral part of my
experience and greatly influence my art. I have been raised (and continue to
live) in rural Gorham Ontario, just north of Thunder Bay on land that has been
in my family for five generations. Continually I explore themes of life cycles
and rebirth – how we are all comprised of the same elements and are vulnerable
to the currents of change. I create emotional driven, idea-based artworks utilizing
various mediums including paint, metal, plaster, found objects, photographs,
light and sound. These various art forms facilitate my exploration of life and
family, its internal rhythm and connections. My physical involvement in the
artistic process is integral to my practice, providing deeper meaning to the
essence of my work. Light, a theme I once painted, I have now translated into
the medium I manipulate: using a torch or forge. The process of blacksmithing
relates to themes of rebirth and connection, as all elements (water, air,
earth, fire) are required when transforming steel. As I heat and pound the metal, my hammering
precision along with my intent and presence in the moment strengthen as I bring
the dead material to life. I began exploring these common themes of connection,
ancestry and rebirth through a documentary process in “Self Portrait as a Sauna
Stove” (2010), and later in the “Preserving Harold Project” (funded by the OAC
in 2012-13); marking the beginning of my journey with steel, and the forging of
ancestral connections. I learn blacksmithing from my mentor Dave Hanson of
Duluth (MN), through the local metalsmith guild I help found, as well as through
attending conferences and workshops.
Friday 1 May 2015
At the Festival of Trees today!
CaHeP and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery are set up ready to create some art in the Coliseum / at the CLE grounds as part of the Festival of Trees!
We have students' artwork on display too! Cahep Artists collaborated with Teacher Librarians and Classroom Teachers to lead projects based on this years chosen books.
With Maria Irwin we created whimsical wire maquettes, inspired by Frank The Architect by author Frank Viva Abrams.
Here you can see their planning of the sculptures before creation.
Thursday 16 April 2015
Here's what's been going on with YSI:
"Winter’s been busy!
TEN REFLECTIONS SPRING TO MIND...
Gerard, an Anishanaabe elder in our community, often reminds us of the need to work seasonally - allowing our organizations and teams to follow the natural rhythms and cycles of which we are a part.
Winter was a time to hibernate and get our house in order, even as we continued to support theAlgoma nest, seed our new Young Spirit Circles initiative, brought on four incredible local Spirit hosts, and continue tending the relationships of this beautiful community." … click the link to read further: http://www.ysicollaborative.org/blog/2015/4/15/ten-ideas-pollinating-in-ysiSaturday 28 March 2015
4x4
Wednesday 25 March 2015
A refection on yesterday, a glimpse into tomorrow
I have not gotten dressed yet today. I'm suppose to be out the door in 10-15 minutes.
It's taking all of my courage to bring myself to the truth:
I have to quit my day job.
Or at least, I have to provide them with the opportunity to change in order for me to stay.
I woke with a heavy head, heart and feet.
A lump sits in my throat - will I be able to speak?
From my heart/spirit? Will they listen?
I imagine entering the office, placing them into my shoes.
Reminding them, that when I applied for the job, it was for the position of leader. A position that virtually does not exist. They have not upheld their positions as leaders, they have not given what was promised. There is no team work. No organization. And the place is in shambles.
Yesterday, I approached the place bright eyed and hopeful.
I had many great moments with fellow colleagues, feeling like at least we can be mindful together and share a common ground. I felt maybe I didn't have to be making physical changes within the space, but rather help us all to look at the space differently.
That quickly shifted in the afternoon when I had to retrieve something from the fixture area.
I felt a sudden doom - really a pang in my belly.
I felt threatened! As if I could fall to my peril, it's so poorly organized.
This led to many thoughts, emotions and ultimately to my wondering once again "what am I doing here" "is this worth it".
There is no point in finger pointing, highlighting how things are wrong, what can be done differently.
Ultimately, I am not living up to my potential, and after doing a survey I feel many feel the same.
The sad thing is, I don't believe I can create change in the environment.
A fellow colleague who was suppose to be another one of the "team leads" has tried making suggestions. It doesn't seem to work.
…what to do… what to do….
I suppose I'll go in today. I'll be late, I can tell that already.
I'll take a deep breath, and share a part of my story.
I may quit? Or perhaps they will say something that makes me want to stay.
That part is up to them.
But I have to empty.
I can't hold it in any more.
I cannot bit my tongue and let days like yesterday happen again.
Days where I'm bright, then suddenly dark.
Some workers express how "it's not that bad".
So perhaps its me. But I just cannot help but see the big picture.
I see what's going on and I cannot just be a cog.
The experience has provided many positive things - I have learned much about leadership, how to run a business and especially about price points of merchandise (which I can apply to my own business Pike Lake Forge). And I have also realized another thing, how I could perhaps be a consultant on projects such as these. I have begun to deepen a desire to affect change in every day environments. Perhaps there will be more to stem from this experience.
Sitting on the sidelines as a leader, just isn't for me.
I flipped open a book this morning to read:
Positive Action: To make the soul healthy, positive actions are also necessary which erase the negative impressions of the soul and gradually re-establish the positive sanskaras.
I think today I have redefined what a positive action is - I am breaking a commitment, a contract. A commitment to my work and to my uncle for getting me the position. This is a positive action towards growth. Sometimes you have to let others down to bring yourself up.
(...I'll miss my friends…
We'll still have a party, celebrating that you all made it!)
It's taking all of my courage to bring myself to the truth:
I have to quit my day job.
Or at least, I have to provide them with the opportunity to change in order for me to stay.
I woke with a heavy head, heart and feet.
A lump sits in my throat - will I be able to speak?
From my heart/spirit? Will they listen?
I imagine entering the office, placing them into my shoes.
Reminding them, that when I applied for the job, it was for the position of leader. A position that virtually does not exist. They have not upheld their positions as leaders, they have not given what was promised. There is no team work. No organization. And the place is in shambles.
Yesterday, I approached the place bright eyed and hopeful.
I had many great moments with fellow colleagues, feeling like at least we can be mindful together and share a common ground. I felt maybe I didn't have to be making physical changes within the space, but rather help us all to look at the space differently.
That quickly shifted in the afternoon when I had to retrieve something from the fixture area.
I felt a sudden doom - really a pang in my belly.
I felt threatened! As if I could fall to my peril, it's so poorly organized.
This led to many thoughts, emotions and ultimately to my wondering once again "what am I doing here" "is this worth it".
There is no point in finger pointing, highlighting how things are wrong, what can be done differently.
Ultimately, I am not living up to my potential, and after doing a survey I feel many feel the same.
The sad thing is, I don't believe I can create change in the environment.
A fellow colleague who was suppose to be another one of the "team leads" has tried making suggestions. It doesn't seem to work.
…what to do… what to do….
I suppose I'll go in today. I'll be late, I can tell that already.
I'll take a deep breath, and share a part of my story.
I may quit? Or perhaps they will say something that makes me want to stay.
That part is up to them.
But I have to empty.
I can't hold it in any more.
I cannot bit my tongue and let days like yesterday happen again.
Days where I'm bright, then suddenly dark.
Some workers express how "it's not that bad".
So perhaps its me. But I just cannot help but see the big picture.
I see what's going on and I cannot just be a cog.
The experience has provided many positive things - I have learned much about leadership, how to run a business and especially about price points of merchandise (which I can apply to my own business Pike Lake Forge). And I have also realized another thing, how I could perhaps be a consultant on projects such as these. I have begun to deepen a desire to affect change in every day environments. Perhaps there will be more to stem from this experience.
Sitting on the sidelines as a leader, just isn't for me.
I flipped open a book this morning to read:
Positive Action: To make the soul healthy, positive actions are also necessary which erase the negative impressions of the soul and gradually re-establish the positive sanskaras.
I think today I have redefined what a positive action is - I am breaking a commitment, a contract. A commitment to my work and to my uncle for getting me the position. This is a positive action towards growth. Sometimes you have to let others down to bring yourself up.
(...I'll miss my friends…
We'll still have a party, celebrating that you all made it!)
Monday 23 March 2015
I like the Goan Zone. Just arrived home from T.O.
For those of you who didn't know where I was, I spent some time sitting in circle with some great spirits involved with Youth Social Infrastructure Collaborative's Young Spirit Circle initiative.
I am grateful for the time spent, and I have come home with a full belly, some great new friends/colleagues, and a swollen head.
Swollen head?!
Well I was lucky to spend the time internally and collaboratively- all weekend. Now upon my return, I face my current reality in which I have filled my life to the brim with commitments - not all being spirit focussed. But all feeling necessary. Looking into my future, I know I won't be busy forever, or rather I cannot be, but for now I am pushing extra hard. I even thought "should I drop my "real job?"" (you know, the merchandizing one I work full time and often feel drains my soul). But I decided I will push through, I can do this. Maybe I'm crazy, holding a full time job while maintaining my usual schedule? But there are a few key things I am working so hard to accomplish, and I need to follow through with those goals - they will be a grand reward. This is a grand adventure. And this merchandizing job poses an interesting opportunity for growth. It puts me smack dab in the grown zone. Uncomfortable yet beautiful growth.
It's been interesting now that I've only been home for under 24 hours and I can already feel the impact of the time we all spent together, in circle. Our feelings, sharing, thoughts --are stream lining directly into my experience. I feel stronger and more action oriented. It's like the things that I sometimes allow to sit, brewing in the kettle gotta come out. It's making my head swollen, but with this I'm seeing what needs to be done. I need to release.
I've been reflecting on how "I am" within every part of my life. What role do I play? And I have noticed how I do not live up to my full potential in every moment. It is one piece of myself I study most often. Especially while at my 8-5 day job (merchandizing). Realizing I'm not "being" my full potential is frustrating. And I've been noticing it ever since picking up the full time gig in January.
It's not that I sleep. But I know I need practice, always, and to focus and bring more spirit into mundane moments. Gerrard asked "who we are" and if we bring our Spirit every place. Thus, I've been looking at my life as an artist, educator but most of all, as a minimum wage employee. It's the first time in a handful if years I have worked in a retail environment. And I'm thinking about how I often fall into the pit of dread and negativity. Even if I now and then crawl out and sing or I'm often smiling or laughing. Not everyone can hear me. I sing for myself. I smile alone. I can see how change or influence can happen within this environment, and I let it happen within me… but I often feel its not worth my consideration - to affect those around me. I think "I'm done the contract soon anyways, so why bother?" It's as though I think the place I work for should pay me more, as if money offers more value to who I am and what I do. I have a sense of purpose, and need to commit to a long-term occupation. This doesn't mean I need a pension or a raise.
Why is this I don't let myself shine?
Why do I hide?
Perhaps I am storing energy - and it is wise to realize how much I can give, and when. Which projects are "worthy" or rather, key. But how can I live up to my full potential at work? How can I make my minimum wage job fulfil my deepest needs? I know the answers, and its all about stepping up. And noticing what holds me back is the first step. Now how do I live up to those roles I step into? How many shoes can I fill?
One pair.
One pair that suits everywhere.
And its time I sing for the sake of everyone, not just myself. :)
I have a voice.
A drawing I created with facilitation provided by Karen.
…The ancient steps just outside our door.
They opened, just as our gathering came to a close.
Look familiar? I saw these little buds, and thought of all of us: Collectively growing together, after a long winter.
So yeah, I feel like I'm in the Goan Zone. It hurts but at the same time I see the beauty and opportunities for growth.
And I should be on duty... All of the time.
Wednesday 11 March 2015
Making Connections
Exciting times! I'll be heading to Toronto for training with Youth Social Infrastructure. As a result I will be facilitating a conversation surrounding spirituality here in Thunder Bay. Let the adventure begin!
Read more here:
http://yongestreetmedia.ca/civicimpact/ysilaunchesyoungspiritcircles03112015.aspx
http://www.ysicollaborative.org/blog/2015/3/10/meet-our-spirit-circles-hosts
Read more here:
http://yongestreetmedia.ca/civicimpact/ysilaunchesyoungspiritcircles03112015.aspx
Photo credit: Kevin Sidlar
http://www.ysicollaborative.org/blog/2015/3/10/meet-our-spirit-circles-hosts
Pike Lake Forge: Pike Lake Forge: Keeping Pike Lake Alive
Pike Lake Forge: Pike Lake Forge: Keeping Pike Lake Alive: What wonderful news we have to share! To our surprise, just as Mummu's homestead was about to be sold to someone outside the fami…
Sunday 15 February 2015
Pike Lake Forge: The homestead was in the family for over 100 years...
Pike Lake Forge: The homestead was in the family for over 100 years...: Here's a photograph of Pike Lake - the homestead where my Great-great grandfather raised Mummu (seen below). Mummu would have been …
Tuesday 10 February 2015
Studio Y
Well, I think I'm seriously going to apply for a Fellowship with Studio Y in Toronto. I heard about the program through the CEDC, and it's quite amazing. I feel they will help foster and achieve future ambitions. I will only grow, and gain skills that will forever impact my life and part within the community. Check out what they're about here:
http://www.marsdd.com/systems-change/studio-y/studio-y-home/
The only downfall is that I would have to reside in TO for 8 months. On the bright side, I'm young and Pike Lake Forge is still in developmental stages, and so it would only positively impact its future development.
http://www.marsdd.com/systems-change/studio-y/studio-y-home/
The only downfall is that I would have to reside in TO for 8 months. On the bright side, I'm young and Pike Lake Forge is still in developmental stages, and so it would only positively impact its future development.
Saturday 17 January 2015
You'll find Carol and Kriev of Pike Lake Forge in the CEDC Jan.Newsletter!
Find the Pike Lake Forge cover story here:
http://www.thunderbay.ca/CEDC/News_and_Events/Newsletter_-_Thunder_Bay_Economic_Developments.htm
http://www.thunderbay.ca/CEDC/News_and_Events/Newsletter_-_Thunder_Bay_Economic_Developments.htm
We made front page! Thanks for the support CEDC!
Friday 2 January 2015
The Beginning of a Bright, New Year...
Well, time sure flies and change is inevitable.
Below is a picture of Rachel and I a couple of years ago at the Grand Opening of Satellite Studio on St. Paul St. Cars now park on the opposite side of the street, we have some fresh trees and sidewalk. New businesses are popping up: a hair stylist, boutique, The Walleye, New Day Records, and a coffee shop is in the making!
As 2015 commences, Satellite Studio no longer will maintain space on St. Paul -- which was a great bright studio location. I've offered it to Don Bayes to set up Hide5. So I'm a little bit sad, but at the same time very excited about new horizons. SSAC will continue to exist, we'll continue to create and mentor one another. Don and I had Art's Gallery open for a year, and it was great! If we had some more artists involved, perhaps we could have maintained such a large space. But personally, I have no interest in running a gallery, so I needed to move on, and find people to sell my work. Now, I continue to develop Pike Lake Forge and soon will be partaking in an E-Commerce program through the College, and have been building partnerships with local businesses.
We now sell our bottle openers at Sleeping Giant Brewery, our fire tools and some candle holders at Bobs Intelligent Heating Decor/ Woodburner's & Fireplaces, and our towel racks at Arcuro Design. Today I also dropped off "A Branch Between You and the Sun" (seen below) at Ahnisnabae Art Gallery's new location.
There are many potential spaces in mind, including a handful outside of the region. So keep an eye on our Pike Lake Forge Facebook page and blog (www.pikelakeforge.blogspot.ca) for details. Aside from focussing on getting our metalwork into the hands of adoring fans, I now begin working full time at Canadian Tire. This change stems from my largest goal of purchasing a beautiful home with a nice garage to set up shop in Hymers. Thus, a new year commences with great goals and ambition. It's been great working out of my Dad's garage, but realistically in order to prosper, we need permanency. In the past few months we've acquired a treadle hammer, power hammer, and one tonne of coal! Together these will drastically affect and improve our work. Excitement is in the air and although I cannot be easily found downtown, keep in touch online and don't be a stranger! We'll be seeing you around town, and if you're craving to see us or other smiths/metalworkers in action, come out to a guild meeting! I'm the Secretary, so just shoot me and email requesting to be on the list and you'll regularly receive updates. ;) ckajorin@gmail.com
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