Reach out:
aimie.bot@gmail.com
Personal Practice
Aimie’s personal practice involves applying the language of traditional forging techniques to contemporary, and often playful pieces. Her preference for traditionalism is rooted in a love of problem-solving. She believes play and imagination are not limited by age, and that they are powerful tools for connection. Her work reflects the belief that searching for humour and wonder, and sharing it, is a worthwhile pursuit.
Background & Education
Aimie Botelho is an artist blacksmith working in Ontario, Canada. She has been forging for 15 years, and loves sharing her passion for forged metal through teaching. After obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Education, she pursued a traditional apprenticeship as a blacksmith at Two Smiths.
Aimie was an instructor for Fleming College’s Artist Blacksmith Certificate Program, where she taught the units: toolmaking, traditional joinery, and sculpture. She currently works out of her own shop Matchstick Forge, and travels to teach at other venues.
Her community involvement has included: The Editor for the Ontario Artist Blacksmith Association; the 2018 Richmond Hill Artist in Residence; assistant in the course Art in Metal at Danforth Tech in Toronto; participant in the YPRES 2016 international forging event in Belgium; blacksmith in the collaborative Ukrainian Gate Project, among many other projects.
