We recently connected with Elyse’ Jokinen and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Elyse’ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I recently launched a publication, Wilder Roam, highlighting 45 contemporary artists spanning a variety of mediums. It’s been amazing to see the response from the arts community and beyond . This project spent a lot of time in my head before I was encouraged to not put it off any longer and just make it happen. It all started when I was standing at my bookshelf packing for a trip and wanting to take big coffee table books with me for inspiration. I really wanted a publication packed with art that I could slip into my bag. Now it’s here!
It was stepping out of my comfort zone in so many ways but I’m so proud of its reality. I worked with some talented people that helped make it happen and now it’s in over 6 countries! I can’t wait to publish more.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Elyse’ Jokinen and I’m a visual artist working in analog collage and photography. I’m also the founder and passionate facilitator of the platform Wilder Collage. I’ve been carrying around a bin of paper for over two decades and was in total awe when I was plugged in to the global community of collage artists online. It didn’t take me long to find my place in it and I’ve been inviting others to join me ever since.
From opening the doors to the Wilder Collage membership to launching the Wilder Roam publication featuring over 45 artists, I’m on a mission to share the magic of collage art through connection, education, inspiration and visibility.
Wilder Collage has been featured by Contemporary Collage Magazine, Create Magazine and has been in collaboration with Twin Cities Collage Collective. My work has been collected in over four counties and I’ve been featured with Collé, PxP Contemporary, Visionary Art Collective and more.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being an artist and facilitator is extremely rewarding and it’s truly what keeps me going every single day. When I make and share a piece of art that really feels like a reflection of the deepest part of myself and it resonates with someone else.. nothing beats that feeling. It’s connection at a soul/core level and keeps me coming back to my art desk.
Now, my role of being a community facilitator is just as rewarding if not more. I get to see up close and personal the connections that are being made in the group, lightbulbs that are going off and the way one small thing we talk about takes someone in a whole new exciting direction. Sharing experiences and resources with one another lifts everyone up and who can’t feel good about that!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My mission is to share the magic of collage art and I take it very seriously! Collage is such an accessible art that provides a way to create, express and slow down in a hectic world. Wilder Collage has a goal to provide connection, education, inspiration and visibility when it comes to this medium. I strive for that every day!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildercollage.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildercollage/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elysejokinen/
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/wildercollage/membership