WILKIE – This past week, Saskatchewan musician Jeffrey Straker shared a special gift he received from forging artist Jim Gerlinsky from Wilkie.
The gift was a metal Mobius loop, with the chorus etched into it from Straker’s song “Heavy is the Burden,” a song Straker wrote after the passing of his mother. Straker took to social media, showing off the unique item and giving many praises to the metal artist who made it.
“The symbolism is so deep: the never-ending circle that you cannot escape and when you try to circle inwards, you find yourself on the outside. Jim’s mind artistically turned a song about grief into this incredible piece,” said Straker.
Straker also added that he knew of Gerlinsky’s work and the precision and beauty of the Mobius makes it hard to put it down.
“It is one of the most unique items I have ever received and is on display in my home where I can see it every day,” says Straker.
Gerlinsky has been forging for as long as he can remember. He remembers watching his mother’s cousin forging carving tools at his grandfather’s farm, falling in love with how the metal was easily manipulated with just heat and a hammer.
Gerlinsky mastered his craft over the years and in 1993, started selling his artwork. In 1998, Gerlinsky joined the Saskatchewan Craft Council as a professional juried member, where peer-reviewed pieces have reached a level of competence that meets the SCC’s guidelines.
The artist has been commissioned over the years to create one-of-a-kind pieces for customers across the prairies. Some pieces are easier than others, however, there have been a few projects that have pushed Gerlinsky’s limits.
“The gate in Edmonton was stressful. With it being my largest creation, making the trip to get the measurements and getting the dimensions right so it will fit. Unlike wood, I can’t just shave a bit off to make it work,” said Gerlinsky.
On the weathervane he created, the griffin on top had to be exact.
“I had to get the image enlarged to the size I needed for the technology I have, then had to figure out how to cut the image with my simple tools as I don’t use laser cutters,” added Gerlinsky.
Gerlinsky’s art is not just local, he has sold pieces all over the prairies and beyond.
“A prominent Saskatchewan politician and his wife have bought quite a bit of my smaller stock for themselves and gifts,” says Gerlinsky.
He also mentioned that candle holders he sold at the WinterGreen sale in Regina made their way to England and are used as props in the 2005 movie “Tideland.” He also said that he had just finished a grappling hook arrowhead for a pole-dancing archer from Leeds, UK.
Inspiration comes to the artist from life in general. He says most times while in the designing process of one project, other ideas will come to him.
“When I need to think, I get into an almost meditative state of heat, beat, repeat. I like figuring out something new. Commissions and art pieces are lots of fun to create,” adds the artist.
Gerlinsky’s art can be found on his Facebook page, chokecherryforge, and he says he is always open to helping his heavy metal fans with creating pieces.
