Jack Stekelenburg — “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood?” - theHumm January 2022
Jack Stekelenburg — “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood?” - theHumm January 2022
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
Ten years ago I wrote that “Renfrew metal sculptor Jack Stekelenburg enjoys challenging our preconceptions of art. Following in the footsteps of his philosophical and artistic mentors, he creates art as an unconscious, unscripted, wordless act of emotional expression. He also plays and experiments and grows as an artist.”
Sixteen years ago the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau inspired a construction worker from Renfrew to become self-reliant and pursue dreams of a different life. Today Stekelenburg’s Walden Three Studio and Sculpture Garden on the outskirts of Renfrew is a fascinating testament to the lasting influence that the Transcendentalists of the 19th century have had on him.
It was existentially satisfying to confirm that Jack remains true to his literary inspirations, and that his efforts continue to bear unique results. A winter walk among his outdoor sculptures reveals an exciting artistic progression — confirmation that following the advice he shared a decade ago is personally fulfilling. Jack’s advice then and now to anyone approaching retirement is to “rekindle the passion of your youth. Resurrect those things that moved your soul and your spirit — art, music, writing, nature, dancing, travel — whatever. Don’t worry whether you’re ‘good enough;’ don’t worry about what your friends think.”
Stekelenburg has come a long way from when his friends first teased him about sculpting “boat anchors”. Jack pays attention to his different drummer, and his artistic inspiration remains intuitive. When he looks at pieces of scrap metal, he envisions and then creates wonderfully imaginative abstract sculptures of — almost anything. One of my favourites is his scrap metal version of Picasso’s century-old painting, Three Musicians (below, left).
A closer look at Jack’s sculptural version reveals the extent of the creativity and painstaking workmanship that has produced this rugged outdoor version of a seminal masterpiece. His choice of subject is the perfect match for his medium. MoMA describes the original painting thus: “The intricate, jigsaw-puzzle-like composition sums up the Synthetic Cubist style, the flat planes of unshaded color recalling the cutout and pasted paper forms with which the style began.” In my untrained (but highly experienced) opinion, Jack’s piece measures up well.
Another piece of Jack’s that I admire for its originality and joie de vivre is Steampunk Sally. If this big-as-life sculpture doesn’t lift your spirits and put a smile on your face, it’s time to check yourself for pandemic depression.
A recent theme in Jack’s work is his exploration of spheres. The works of American metal sculptor Michael Malpass (1946-91) caught his attention, and he recognized a true kindred spirit. Malpass wrote: “From the discards of society I simply try to create a beautiful object.” Jack describes himself as a modern-day hunter-gatherer, collecting scrap metal and doing runs to the dump to salvage other people’s junk. He invested in a plasma cutter and blacksmith’s forge and continues to figure out how to construct amazing and increasingly complex spherical compositions. He is putting the finishing touches on a beautiful sphere 32 inches in diameter, consisting of over 500 pieces of pipe that will weigh around 100 pounds. You can see a brief video of the piece under construction at facebook.com/Walden3Studio .
Another new initiative growing in popularity is Jack’s one-day workshops where you create your very own sculpture. You, or you and one or two friends, can book a day of creativity where your imagination is your muse and Jack is your metal sculptor. His outdoor workshop is replete with metal objects of every shape and size, and you can design an objet d’art that Jack will fashion into a rugged sculpture before your very eyes. Jack’s sculpture garden is brimming with an astonishing array of salvaged metal pieces, so you are limited only by your imagination and time. It’s probably wise to have an idea of what you want to create, but then again, spotting an extraordinary piece can trigger a true “eureka” moment.
Jack enjoys sharing his knowledge of how he uses his plasma cutter and welding tools and grinder to construct your masterpiece. Watching your piece emerge from the forge becomes an unforgettable component of your lasting enjoyment of your very own creative recycling triumph. The testimonials glow with appreciation of the whole experience, so once it warms up this spring, you can certainly add it to your list of safe outdoor activities.
Back Story
It was only in 2005 that Stekelenburg decided to indulge the passion for art that he had put on the back burner while he started a career in construction and raised a family. Intrigued by metal garden art, in 2005 he signed up for a course in welding. In 2008 he traveled to the Mount Everest Base Camp, reassessed his life, and decided to pursue the passion of his youth. After interviewing Jack in 2012, I wrote the following paragraph, and after interviewing him a few weeks ago, it seems utterly appropriate to present it again:
Stekelenburg’s gift is his unwavering determination to discover, and perhaps re-invent, himself. His life, like his art, continues to be a work in progress. Stekelenburg’s favourite role model is American abstract metal sculptor David Smith. This quote from a speech Smith gave in 1959 at Ohio University explains why: “Art is made from dreams, and visions, and things not known, and least of all from things that can be said. It comes from the inside of who you are when you face yourself. It is an inner declaration of purpose; it is a factor which determines artist identity.” Stekelenburg’s art is worthy of attention because he trusts himself.
The videos he has posted on Facebook show how he overcomes technical and physical challenges, but most of all, they show how Jack Stekelenburg’s indomitable spirit continues to forge ahead. His coordinates appear on the back of his Artist Trading Card; this I can guarantee — at the very least he will brighten your day.
Jack Stekelenburg — “Is it so bad, then, to be misunderstood?” - theHumm January 2022
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
Ten years ago I wrote that “Renfrew metal sculptor Jack Stekelenburg enjoys challenging our preconceptions of art. Following in the footsteps of his philosophical and artistic mentors, he creates art as an unconscious, unscripted, wordless act of emotional expression. He also plays and experiments and grows as an artist.”
Sixteen years ago the writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau inspired a construction worker from Renfre......
Pop, Pivots & Pirouettes Folkus presents The Pairs & Tragedy Ann,In-Person and Virtually! - theHumm January 2022
By Sandy Irvin
With excitement and joy, Folkus planned their 20th season this fall. We’re still hoping for joy, and we’re pivoting and pirouetting and taking all the precautions we can to ensure a safe and beautiful evening together. We really wanted to put Tragedy Ann and The Pairs on our stage because they absolutely love to sing, and they bring a delightful energy to the stage.
One of the things we really miss is gathering together. But some of us still aren’t ready to. And that’s ok. To make sure that peo......
** CANCELLED ** The Snow Moon Festival - theHumm January 2022
By Kris Riendeau
From the organizers of the Snow Moon Festival: "Unfortunately, after much discussion, we've made the difficult decision to postpone the festival to (February 4) 2023."
One thing is certain in these uncertain times — creativity is alive and flourishing in our area! Local venues have expanded patios, poured out into parking spaces, and even used hula hoops to socially-distance audience members keen to keep on experiencing the joys of live performances. Now that winter is upo......
Meet the Artist —Mireille Asselin, Soprano - theHumm January 2022
Internationally acclaimed soprano and Almonte resident Mireille Asselin returned home briefly after performing the role of Amore in the Vancouver Opera’s production of Glück’s Orfeo ed Euridice, before setting off again to perform as a soloist in Handel’s masterpiece Messiah with the Rhode Island Symphony Orchestra. Mireille will be performing with pianist Frédéric Lacroix and violinist/violist Brenna Hardy-Kavanagh on January 16 at the Almonte Old Town Hall, in a ......
Bane of All Things — a Début Novel - theHumm January 2022
By John Pigeau
Growing up, Leo Valiquette was fond of fantastical stories. The Star Wars saga, Tolkien’s Middle Earth books, and classics like Charlotte’s Web — these were the made-up worlds Leo liked to inhabit. Later, in high school, he liked to make up stories and was admittedly “a Dungeon & Dragons nerd.” At some point, he fashioned himself a decent writer, too. Now, many years on, he has realized a lifelong dream and published his first novel, an epic fantasy called Bane ......
Carleton Place Library Reopens to the Public - theHumm January 2022
After a year-long renovation, the Carleton Place Public Library is open to the public again!
The updated interior features new meeting rooms, a laptop bar, new shelving and flooring throughout, energy-saving LED lighting, and fun reading cubbies for kids.
“The new interior is vibrant, accessible and welcoming,” explains library CEO Meriah Caswell. “We are thrilled to be able to welcome the community back to their library and want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding during......
Almonte Lectures - theHumm January 2022
By Glenda Jones
Resolved: that the winter of 2022 will continue to provide interesting events.
Almonte Lectures almontelectures.net continues to live up to that resolution. The live-streamed editions held on the last Friday evening of each month have proven very popular, with up to one hundred participants tuning in every session.
The winter series will kick off on January 28 with Kris Riendeau’s presentation on the history and value of community theatre. Well-known as the editor of theHumm, Kris has been on the stage at the Almont......
A New Year: Determined Action! Lanark County Creates Its Climate Action Plan - theHumm January 2022
By Chandler Swain
Ahhh, good old January. Our time-honoured month to make clear, focused goals. It’s very common to do this on a personal basis, wanting to improve our health and wellbeing and initiate or complete projects and plans. But the wider view of this concept includes setting goals for our community: most specifically in this very challenging time, those that address the Climate Crisis.
We are all aware of the crisis that is looming if we don’t take the steps necessary to make our county — Lanark Count......
Birdhouse Bonanza 2022 - theHumm January 2022
By Glenda Jones and Barb Carroll
Good news! The second annual online birdhouse auction, code name Birdhouse Bonanza, is coming in the last two weeks of April, 2022. This year’s proceeds will go to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust mmlt.ca to enable them to continue improving the High Lonesome Nature Reserve off Carbine Road in Pakenham. It is fitting that the MMLT is dedicating this event to the memory of the late Michael Macpherson who loved High Lonesome and worked diligently to protect this site during his lifetime.
The improvements at High Lonesome will include:
......
Not In My Back Yard? An Ode to Community Gardens - theHumm January 2022
By David Hinks
A community garden for every neighbourhood? There are many reasons why folks are turning their thoughts towards growing a few potatoes and carrots: global supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, organic food untainted by chemicals, local food insecurity, just looking for a healthy outdoor activity, higher costs in the grocery store, more time on our hands for home projects, and the need to find something healthy for the kids to do are only a few!
So why grow food in a community ......
Mary Berry Comes to Carroll Side Road - theHumm January 2022
By Glenda Jones
Mary Berry, that paragon of pastry and smiling tourist guide, has chosen to visit our humble home for an upcoming “Notflix” series. It’s a little intimidating to think we’ll be up there with the Downton Abbey castle, but hey, this is our castle, so I’m sure I can haul out the stops to make her stay the epitome of elegance and social grace.
She arrived last Friday as it began to snow. Her limo pulled up and TV crews, cameras, cables and lights were everywhere as the three dogs exploded out the d......
Arts CP Call for Artists - theHumm January 2022
Arts Carleton Place is looking for between 40 and 55 talented artists for their spring Fine Art Show & Sale. Taking place at the Carleton Place Arena from April 30 to May 1, this year’s show ......
Virtual Caregiver Training - theHumm January 2022
A free five-week virtual Practical Caregiver Training Course is being offered to people living in Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Counties. The goal is to make the caregiving experience safer and les......
Apr 20 Perth Trashure Hunt Clean-up
Apr 20 Solitary Man
Apr 27 Festival of the Maples
Apr 27 The Moth Project
May 4 - 5 Spring Fine Art Show
May 4 Outskirts
May 5 Music at Mera: The Andrew Collins Trio
May 11 - 12 Art in the Attic
May 11 Engelbert Humperdinck & Tom Jones Tribute
May 16 MMLT Talk & AGM
- IS THIS A PROTEST?
- A Classic Whodunnit Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee at Studio Theatre
- Readers, Writers, and Poets
- Celebrate Indigenous Culture in CP
- Celebrate the ClassicsWith the Arnprior Choir
- 4F Auction Concoction Food, Fun, Fashion & Favourites
- Cheerfully Made Spring Market
- Electrify to Decarbonize Lanark
- Volunteer Forum
- Frankenstein Comes to The Station Theatre
