Meet KJ of Offerings from the Coven

Gaia: Tell us a bit about yourself. What's your background, your upbringing, interests?

KJ: Growing up an only child, I spent a lot of time creating with my imagination. I always felt a deep connection with art, the earth, rocks, bugs, animals etc.. Seeing something born through my hands, from my heart, has always felt like such a natural representation of myself to the world. I notice that manifest into the way I cook food and present it. Even if it's just a meal alone in my apartment!

Gaia: How do you get into experimenting & making art with epoxy resin?

KJ: I had just recently relocated to Rossland, prior to the pandemic. So with no work commitments yet, and a beloved community going into hibernation mode, I felt it was a great opportunity to immerse myself into a new craft! I’d been admiring the form of epoxy for some time before, and decided to gather materials and see what I could create!  

Gaia: What were some of the first things you made?

KJ: I started out with some very simple silicone moulds of music notes, shapes, and crystal formations. I made some LED string lights, played around with canvas pours, and different colouring mediums. I quickly discovered just how limitless epoxy can be, and started collecting offerings of the earth into my projects. I love using  pressed flowers, ferns, bones, and dead bugs. Quills, rocks, sea shells..the list goes on!

Gaia: What was the inspiration for your coffin boxes? What are the challenges in making them? Can you send us a picture of your favourite that you have made?

KJ: Truth be told, I’m awfully fond of dark and creepy decor in general. I had a request from a witchy friend for one, and they took off from there! One challenge working with them was the poorer quality moulds that I kept running up against. They would stick to the cured box, and cause imperfections. Air bubbles that sneak down in the walls of the box can be easy to miss, and cause spaces on the finished product too. It's certainly a trial and error kind of art form, with each mistake becoming the source of new, refined steps. Here’s a few of my favourites.

Gaia: Do you make other kinds of art? If so, what kinds?

KJ: I enjoy felting, crocheting, and painting as well!

Gaia: Are there any new mediums you are exploring now for your art?

KJ: I am! I’m starting into a long admired art form of silversmithing and jewelry making! I took an intro course in the fall, that has certainly sparked the inspiration flame! I’m registered for another class coming up through Selkirk as well! Stay tuned!

Gaia: We also carry your beautiful spell jars. How did you start making those?

KJ: I got inspired by old witch folklore, and the making of protection bottles for dwellings. The building I live in is very old, and has spirits quite present within it. This got me looking for other approaches for maintaining a clear, balanced energy amongst my home. After thoroughly enjoying the process, I decided to market some jars with specific spells and intentions in them, to offer to the public!

Gaia: Are your spell jars connected to any spiritual practice or spiritual faith you have?

KJ: They absolutely make me feel closer to the earth, and the entwined connection we have with it. The medicines and offerings it has for us here are abundant, and dynamic! To feel into those mediums, brings me closer to spirit. I feel connected and tuned in. And of course, witchcraft!

Gaia: Are there any other personal spiritual practices you have? Do you mind sharing about them?

KJ: I’ve used oracle cards for many years, and in the last year or so, I’ve started to delve into the classic tarot deck. I’m studying online currently, with a wonderful community where we read together and interpret our spreads! I work with pendulums, meditation, astrology, crystal healing, and the cycles of the moon.

Gaia: Are there any spiritual philosophies, beliefs or paths you are drawn to that you would like to learn more about?

KJ: I’ve yet to delve into runes, but I'm very much intrigued by the magic they hold. My partner is currently exploring working with them, so I’m getting insights, and feeling drawn to their teachings even more. In one of our tarot classes, our guide shared a rune she had put together for us to mark on our wrist/arm. I’ve never felt such profound energy while writing on my skin. The feeling of us all doing it at the same time, and the uniqueness of this rune was incredible. Definitely piqued my interest to learn more about them!

Gaia: How do you think you have grown as a person in the last year?

KJ: I’d say I’ve become more self aware in the past year. Aware of what I can tolerate and hold space for, with more clarity. I’ve learned how to identify draining energy better, and hold more space for others in my life that do the opposite! I have a ‘healer’ type personality that loves to give and lift others, which can take its toll, if I’m not making space to be lifted myself! I’ve also learned to create a life that caters to my own natural rhythms, rather than constantly trying to shift to accommodate the 9-5 societal structure. I’m a nocturnal creature, and in embracing that pattern, I’m a better version of myself.

Gaia: What is one thing you would like to grow about yourself in 2022?

KJ: I really aspire to deepen my knowledge with herbal medicine. I’m feeling driven to make a better garden in my communal yard, a small greenhouse, and plant it up with medicinal plants. I then want to create tinctures, tea blends, and oils with high vibrancy.

Gaia: What is your sun sign and do you feel you relate to it? If you know what your moon and ascendant signs are, do you feel like they reflect in your personality?

KJ: My sun is in Pisces, Moon and Ascendant are both in Leo. I very much resonate with my placements. My empathic, spiritual nature, certainly shines through with my Pisces sun. Having prominent Leo placements, gives me drive to fluff up my mane and get down to business so to speak. It feels like a great balance having that fire energy to motivate me, and give me drive. I couldn’t imagine having all one element in my big 3! Mixed elements ftw!

Gaia: Tell us more about the readings you offer and other products or services you offer?

KJ: I don’t offer readings….yet! With this study group though, I’m gaining more knowledge with tarot and would love to one day be well versed enough to offer readings! I’m very much open to any custom epoxy work folks might desire. I’m starting to experiment with live edge wood projects, but they are limited due to my small studio space. I’d love to do more canvas pours! Below is probably my favourite canvas I’ve done yet. I currently have moulds for picture frame magnets, “self-defense” keychains, ash trays, coffin boxes, pentagram trays and incense holders.