Cork woman believed to be first with Down syndrome in Ireland to become a blacksmith

Jessie Waschkowitz wants to help people with Down syndrome recognise that they are beautiful, writes Sarah Horgan

Jessie Waschkowitz working in the forge at her home in Castletownbere. 

Jessie Waschkowitz has managed to achieve the seemingly impossible. In an era where the art of blacksmithing has virtually been extinguished, this remarkable woman is believed to be the first with Down syndrome in Ireland to forge a career in the ancient craft. 

Jessie’s success has taken many forms, perhaps most spectacularly on a billboard in New York's Times Square projecting her image last year. The Co Cork artist had caught the imagination of the National Down syndrome Society (NDSS) in the US through her social media presence. Impressed by her skills and vision, the society approached Jessie, requesting permission to display her likeness on one of Times Square’s iconic billboards. Jessie featured as part of an initiative celebrating the achievements of, and possibilities for, people with Down syndrome. 

Jessie Waschkowitz from Castletownbere who appeared on a billboard in Times Square as part of an initiative to highlight inspirational people with Down syndrome.

Jessie's blacksmithing dream began at the age of 16 when she and her father Reinhard — known to friends and family as Ryan — decided it was time to start her apprenticeship.

The family has taken pride in its generational legacy for as long as she can remember. Now Ryan and his daughter are among dozens of blacksmiths across the country desperately working to revive the art of blacksmithing. They are also endeavoring to do so in a manner that retains the art’s traditional methods and integrity.

While many groups historically worked with metals — including farriers, wheelwrights, and armourers — blacksmiths possess an encyclopedic knowledge associated with the creation and repair of all manner of items from complex weapons and armour to nails or lengths of chain.

Jessie was by no means the first in her family to set a precedent. Ryan, who has been living on the Beara Peninsula for almost 30 years, was the last remaining trainee blacksmith in his native Germany where he trained in the art several decades ago.

Jessie Waschkowitz with an image of her billboard in Times Square.

He previously lived a simple life without electricity before welcoming Jessie and her sister. Now the family is embracing the modern world in the best way possible. The father and daughter, together with their colleague Suki Blochinger, established Born Transcendent, an online company that sells everything from handmade sculptures to affirmation fashion. Last summer Ryan and Jessie travelled to Berlin in a campervan to exhibit Jessie’s work at the Special Olympics World Games. Those attending the event were able to view Jessie’s art against the backdrop of a screen playing footage of her extensive forging process.

In her home in Castletownbere, Jessie devotes much of her time heating wrought iron pieces to make sculptures and jewellery. The products have become popular online and Jessie relishes her trips to the post office to send out customer orders.  Much of the time, Jessie can be found forging the hours away in her workshop. Jessie, who turns 21 in May, serves as an inspiration for many artists visiting their home.

The rhythmic cacophony of hammering and anvils forms the background noise for the artist and her business partner Suki.

Symbolic work

They explain that the project is not just a business and belies a far deeper resonance for the trio.

While previous generations of the Waschkowitz family handed their skills down to children and grandchildren, Ryan and Jessie are keen to pass the art on to other people with Down syndrome.

They often discuss the symbolism and meaning behind her sculptures in particular.

“All Jessie’s sculptures are different but they are also beautiful,” Ryan said.

 This is the same for people with Down syndrome. We want to spread this message to everybody in the world. We also want people with Down syndrome to know that even though they are different they are all still beautiful, just like Jessie. For us, that is a very touching message

They describe the art of blacksmithing as a lifelong apprenticeship.

“Forging is a long process. You are learning all these different things and new techniques so we are still hard at it to spread the message.”

Both Ryan and Jessie favour traditional metalwork over modern forging methods.

A stand showcasing items made by blacksmith Jessie Waschkowitz.

“Jessie is taught in the ancient old techniques of hot hand forging using only manual hammer techniques that were used for thousands of years by the Celts and Vikings. It is inspiring to think that Jessie follows in the footsteps of the Celtic and Viking people who forged here at the shore of the Wild Atlantic in West Cork.”

The encouragement of people across the world fuels Jessie’s steely determination.

“Jessie finds it tough at times. It’s a challenge to learn certain techniques and it’s tiring because all the work is done by hand. However, Jesse rises to the challenges and she works through them. She is very satisfied even when it comes to the hard parts. Some of the techniques seem impossible but Jessie always gets it in the end. To see this as a father is wonderful.

"She wants to carry this message around the world and help people with Down syndrome recognise that they are beautiful. That’s very touching for me. Even when Jessie is sometimes tired from forging and her body is tired she remembers that message. I’m always impressed by how much she takes it in and how much she wants it. It’s been a long and interesting journey that has also been very satisfying.”

Public praise

Ryan and Jessie have been overwhelmed by positive messages from the public.

“People write to us. They send a lot of encouraging messages saying they are amazed by Jessie. They always tell her to keep going and to keep doing what she’s doing. Her wish now is to bring her message to every country in the world.”

Jessie Waschkowitz working in the forge in her home with her Born Transcendent colleague, Suki Blochinger.

The family is making plans to exhibit Jessie’s work across the globe.

“There aren’t too many opportunities for exhibitions in the winter time so the last few months have been quiet. We are looking forward to showcasing Jessie’s work during the summer.”

Jessie and Ryan hope that Born Transcendent can positively alter attitudes and misconceptions around Down syndrome. It was this goal that inspired their decision to introduce babygrows into the range.

Ryan said the babygrow was a very special design, “because it’s heartbreaking for new parents who never hear the word ‘congratulations’ if their baby has Down syndrome.

“Instead of using the words ‘Down syndrome’, we always say ‘born transcendent,’ he said.

“People often don’t know what to say when a baby is born with Down syndrome. They don’t want to say congratulations, but they can and they should. We don’t see Down syndrome as a disability but as a super extra ability. Ten or 20 years ago, people would say that a baby was born with Down syndrome. Maybe in the future, we can say they were born transcendent.”