Some of you may be wondering "who is YSI?" here it is:
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!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)