\”The hardest thing is to find a competent welder who has the nerves of a cow\” – cooperation with an artist motivates and challenges even in a welding company

Pekka Jylhä follows and instructs the welding of the steel swan.
The swans cut from the steel sheet get their final shape in the welder’s processing. The implementation is guided by the sculptor Pekka Jylhä.

Sculptor Pekka Jylhä, who was born in Toholam, relies on the expertise of the area around his hometown in the production of large public works. Metal industry companies implement Jylhä’s sculpture plans.

He promises that there will be exhibitions of his own when there is time left from the commissions. However, their time is not quite yet.

Kokkola’s Pikawelsäusus is currently assembling the Jylhä swan-themed sculptural ensemble that will come to Kuopio’s Kallavesi beach. With the help of lights, the impression of a swan landing in a pond is created.

Parts of Pekka Jylhä's swan sculptures in a metal industry hall in Kokko.
Life-sized swans will be used in the different flight positions of the landing. In addition, the swans come with remote-controlled lights, thanks to which the swan appears to be landing in the swan pond that is being built.

In Ylivieska, Recion, on the other hand, is working on a functional piece for Kangasa located at Lamminrahka market, more exceptional for Jylhä.

– You can even skate on big tires, describes Jylhä.

*Raila Paavola interviewed Pekka Jylhä about art and its realization in a company from Kokkola.*

Cooperation with companies has been smooth

For the past ten years, Pekka Jylhä has made large public works, mainly in Kokkola.

– It’s like we speak the same language, so it’s been easy to cooperate, describes Jylhä. At the same time, I can take care of my relationships back home in Toholamm, so many things will be taken care of together.

– You don’t have to transport the parts yourself when there is a laser cutting shop, a welding shop and a painting shop next to each other, praises Jylhä.

Steel parts of Pekka Jylhä's swan-themed artwork waiting to be welded together.
The summer body of the swan is built from these steel parts, to which the light elements are also attached.

A cow’s nerves are an advantage

– Making art is a good change for us and usually quite fun.

According to Pietilä, it is motivating to see how enthusiastic the artist is as the work progresses.

For the company, the work does not necessarily look artistic at first, but is normal welding work, but over time it becomes a work of art.

– The most difficult thing is to find a skilled enough welder and one who has the nerves of a cow. The welder must be able to accept that the pieces can be removed many times and welded again.

Esa Pietilä leans on a large wooden box and at the same time talks on his mobile phone in the hall of Kokkola Pikahitsaus
Esa Pietilä, CEO of Kokkola Pikahitsaus, knows how important skilled welders are, both in art and in other manufacturing.

Metalwork is also done for other artists

Kokkola Pikahitsaus’ cooperation with Jylhä has lasted for several years and led to cooperation with other artists as well.

*Welding sculptures has its own requirements, but it is also rewarding, explains Raila Paavola in an interview.*

The work has a size of 6 x 12 meters and there is a passageway in the middle of it. The work will be announced in November, when the hundredth anniversary of the birth of President Koivisto will have passed.

*The topic can be discussed until Monday, January 30 at 11 p.m.*