IronNotes : Metal Art Today
The first IronNotes event will be held at the joint campus of LAB University of Applied Sciences and LUT University in Skinnarila on June 17, and on June 18 at Galleria Pihatto in Lappeenranta.
09:30 | Coffee & registration at Lappeenranta campus
10:00 | Welcome
- What is IronNotes? Project partners
- Public art education at LAB University af Applied Sciences,
Sampo Malin / LAB University af Applied Sciences
- Creative Production: Bridging Art and Digital Manufacturing,
Ilkka Poutiainen and Marika Hirvimäki / LUT University
- Graveyards – A Public Space for Blacksmiths?
Heiner Zimmermann / Gothenburg University
Q&A
12:00 | Lunch (at own expense) & Workshop tours at Lappeenranta campus
13:15 | Programme continues
- Iron in public art & city; Iron Vilnius, Jurgita Ludavičiené / Lithuanian National Museum of Art
- Public art, Kirsi Kaulanen
- Twisted forms by sculptor Kimmo Schroderus, Kimmo Schroderus
- Public art, Hanna Makkonen
Q&A
15:00 | Coffee break
15:30 | Programme continues
- Sustainable visual arts TBC, Nina Toppila / Taidehalli and Saara Korpela /City of Turku
- Shaping the future with Fossil-free steels, Kalle Lipiäinen / LUT University
Q&A
16:40
- Closing Summary
- What Next: European Biennial Show of Blacksmithing Art, Stia, Italy
17:00 | The event ends
Speaker introductions at the end of the page!
IronNotes Exhibition opening at Gallery Pihatto 17:30–19:30, Welcome!
At Galleria Pihatto project partners and students from the LAB Institute of Design and Fine Arts, presented together in a joint exhibition. The exhibition explores the theme of remembrance from various perspectives and features sculptures and sketches related to the topic. The participating project partners are internationally active and established artists. In addition, on Wednesday, June 18, artists will present the exhibition to the public and demonstrate iron forging in live performances. The opening event takes place on Tuesday evening, June 17, from 17:30 to 19:30 at Galleria Pihatto – all are welcome!
At the Borders of Iron (IronNotes) is a project focused on metal art, public art, and blacksmithing. It brings together professionals in the field, students, and the wide audience. The network will organize six different international IronNotes events, offering participants diverse opportunities for learning, sharing expertise, showcasing their artistic work, and networking around themes of public art and metal.
Project funding: Creative Europe Culture.
Speaker introductions
Marika Hirvimäki | Project researcher / LUT University
Presentation: Creative Production: Bridging Art and Digital Manufacturing
Marika Hirvimäki, M.Sc. (Tech.) has worked for 16 years as a project researcher at the Laser Processing Laboratory at LUT University (LUT Laser). She has been involved in research and innovation tasks that support the laboratory's activities by writing national and international project applications and working as a project manager for multidisciplinary projects that integrate technology, business, and various pedagogical methods. Her contributions include the implementation of the Laser Art Residency and organizing 3D printing training courses for diverse target groups.
Ilkka Poutiainen | Docent, Research Manager / LUT University
Presentation: Creative Production: Bridging Art and Digital Manufacturing
PhD Ilkka Poutiainen is a laser material processing specialist with almost 20 years’ experience in the field. He is currently a team leader and heads up the laboratory of Laser Processing and Additive Manufacturing. His expertise lies in different laser processes, optics, laser-material interaction, and monitoring and measuring systems. Additionally, llkka has 10 years’ experience as a research scientist for the Laboratory of Steel Structures, where he has worked on numerous projects related to the strength of welded structures. In his doctoral dissertation, he developed a FEM-based fatigue assessing method for fatigue loaded structures.
Kalle Lipiäinen | Post-doctoral researcher / LUT University
Presentation: Shaping the future with Fossil-free steels
Kalle Lipiäinen works as a postdoctoral researcher in the LUT University. The research work includes experimental testing and performance analysis of materials and structures. He has published forty scientific papers and helped industry to develop high performance products and structures with decreased CO2emissions.
Heiner Zimmermann | Professor of Metal Art / HDK University of Gothenburg
Presentation: Graveyards – A Public Space for Blacksmiths?
Heiner Zimmermann combines traditional forms with contemporary design and art. Growing up in his father's forge, he developed a deep understanding of forging techniques and traditions. In 1991, he completed his formal training as the national champion and received the "Good Design Award," among other recognitions.
Supported by scholarships, he traveled and worked with renowned metal artists across Europe and the United States during his early career. He also pursued further studies in conservation and art history in Venice. After obtaining his master's certificate in 1998, he took over his father’s forge in Pliezhausen.
Over the years, Heiner’s work has been exhibited internationally and has received awards. He also secured EU research funding to explore the role of blacksmiths in creating grave markers.
Heiner’s work respects the forging tradition and the materials while incorporating contemporary design elements. Each piece reflects a thoughtful process, balancing craftsmanship and modern needs.
Kimmo Schroderus | Sculptor
Presentation: Twisted forms by sculptor Kimmo Schroderus
Kimmo Schroderus’ (b. 1970) career as a sculptor began in the 90s. His sculptures combine industrial materials and practices with an organic form language and traditional methods of sculpture, such as metal casting. His working process emphasizes the importance of the craft, of DIY, and a mastery of materials and techniques, as well as a striving to continually learn more. For Schroderus, his workspace is like a laboratory where he seeks out new ways of working on, shaping, or even deforming his materials. The long, arduous journey made by the sculptures to being finished works of art is a part of their content: it has to be visible from the execution of the sculpture that its creation has been a meaningful act for its maker.