ARCTICulators: Kamila Ciurkowska
What exactly is an ARCTICulator? The innovative people of the Arctic who live life in creativity, and much more…
We met up with entrepreneur and macramé-creator, Kamila Ciurkowska, originally from Poland, now based in Reine. How did you end up moving to Nordland?
I ended up moving to Reine because I completly feel in love with this place.
Four years ago while I was studying in Warsaw I was looking for season-work, so I could afford to travel, and I found one in Lofoten. I didn’t have high expectations when I came here and I didn’t really know anything about this place. I always preferred more tropic destinations. But when I arrived in Lofoten I knew that this journey wouldn’t end straight away. I was working here in a restaurant for three seasons, when I finally last year made a decision to move – because this is the place where I am happiest.
At the moment I am building my macrame world piece by piece. There is still a lot of work to do in order to develop my company but I have feel that I am on the right path. I can’t believe that my hobby now is my dream-job!
Currently I am working on macrame Christmas decorations. I love to come up with new products and the christams-holidays gives me the opportunity to release different collections. I will participate in a lot of Christmas markets in Lofoten so I’m currently focusing on preparations for this. I love marketing and showing my work and products to others, it is a big inspiration to me.
I am also working and developing my newly opened online shop www.kamamakrama.com. I created this place dedicated for crafters. In this online shop you can find a wide selection of high quality macrame cords. I would love to share my passion all around Norway so it was necessary to offer the best materials to make macrame.
Culture is a big word, and in Bodø2024 we believe culture is in everything we live and breathe. Can you point out what it is in arctic culture that inspires you most in your daily work?
First off all I would like to tell you a little about macrame and it’s connection to Nordland culture. Macrame is made by method of tying, twisting and winding cord with a special wave which in result gives you a durable product. Macrame is part of the Norwegian folk art culture. This technique became a bit forgotten and my mission its to bring it back. A lot of people are surprised when they for example see me on the local market with my work. They very often give me feedback that they used to do it in school many years ago and would love to try it again.
Some people also believe that macrame history is connected to sailing and fishing. I am sure that you could find some macrame knots back in the days on Lofoten’s boats. This is why I feel that macrame itself is part of northern culture.
Arctic culture inspires me a lot in my work also because of the surroundings where I live. I look outside the widow in my house and I can see a beautiful fishing village with stunning mountains – it’s breathtaking. I take a sip of coffee and start to creating macrame. This is how my LOFOTEN LANDSCAPE COLLECTION was created, which is inspired by mountains in Lofoten.
What type of cultural activites in the region do you enjoy personally, and makes you feel connected to your surroundings?
There is a lot of cultural activities that I love and which makes me feel connected to my surroundings in my region. First of all – it’s amazing to live in a place where I can be so close to nature and get inspired. I use landscapes around me to make a beautiful photos for my webpage, to plan new products or get new ideas for my creative network.
Second of all I feel connected with others when I can spread my love of macrame art. That is why I organize Macrame workshops. On the workshops I teach people basics of macrame technique. I always have big hopes that when they come back home they decide to continue their journey with Macrame art and that I “infected” them with my passion. I gave already 15 workshops among Lofoten and some also in Bodo in collaboration with Space for Plants
In my region we also try to organize some cultural events like local markets for example. In the place where I work Reine Kultursenter- Galleri Eva Harr
I have organized already 2 craft markets. I manage to gather a lot of amazing artist from Lofoten in one place which made me very happy! I hope for more events like this in the future.
Bodø2024 defines you as a portrait of ARCTICulators, joining the new northern movement. What advice would you like to give to other international movers joining the arctic culture?What type of cultural activites in the region do you enjoy personally, and makes you feel connected to your surroundings?
My first advice is to not be afraid! Don’t wait for the “right moment” to show the world what you are doing… Do it now! In the beginning everything will not go as planned, but you learn from your mistakes. With hard work and a bit of creativity you can make your dreams come true – believe me and believe in yourself
I am very lucky because my macrame art has been supported by the local community. Because of that I could start making workshops, markets and other events. But it would never happen if I was too scared to try. I was focused and got in touch with people here in Lofoten, showing my art and organizing events together.
Who should be featured next as a good ARCTICulator in the region? Let us know by messaging us!