Story from 2024 educational grantee Roweena Katigbak

I want to first express my gratitude for the first SIB Educational Grant that I received in March 2024. With these funds, I was able to pay for a full railroad spike knife forging workshop and part of a beginner blacksmithing class.  

Receiving this grant was very meaningful to me. I was always drawn to working with metal and any art form that uses a torch. Blacksmithing, and bladesmithing in particular, was a craft I wanted to dive into for quite a few years, but I didn’t have the opportunity or funds to take the next step. When I found a local blacksmith who offered classes, and then found out about the grant shortly after, I knew I had to apply. I was super stoked when I found out that I received the grant. I literally squealed!

Fast forward to June, when I took my first railroad spike knife forging workshop. It was tough yet so rewarding! I’m proud of the knives that I forged, knowing that they are the first milestones in my journey. Taking these classes fired me up even more to learn to forge with different metals, to deepen my understanding of knife design fundamentals, and to learn proper safety protocols in a safe space.

I dream of forging functional yet sculptural tools, knives, and swords in my home studio. These pieces will draw inspiration from my explorations in pre-colonial Filipinx material culture from a dystopian pagan perspective and sustainable art practice. In this way, I can continue to honour my ancestors while integrating my various art disciplines, Filipinx martial arts practice, and earth-based spirituality.

Thank you for fueling the spark for this passion of mine! 

Rowena Katigbak (she/they)

Tkaronto, Turtle Island (Toronto, Canada)