Rod Johnsen
Janesville, WI
Over 15 years ago Rod Johnsen saw someone spinning fire at an EDM event. That same night he gave it a try and hasn’t stopped. Over the years he’s perfected his craft and finds new inspiration all the time with new music, new patterns and new moves.
Rod is spinning at DEVIATE where you can experience this multisensory performance first hand and be mesmerized by the patterns of the fire and even feel the warmth of the flames as he spins them around to the music. Sounds pretty awesome, right? We think so, too.
october 15
Can you tell us some information about your art/performance? How would you describe it? The art appointment in the Polynesian Islands is a warrior endurance training. Through time it has developed as a form of dance. The best way to describe what I do is gracefully spin fire around myself normally to the rhythm of music.
Where do you find the inspiration to do what you do? For me, spinning fire point is a meditative state, it is one of the few places that quiets my mind. As for inspiration it's usually new music that just calls me to spin.
How long did it take you to master your craft? How often do you practice? This is a craft of continuous growth, always learning new moves, new patterns and increasing my endurance. I normally have a small practice session about once a week, and have been working on my form for over 15 years.
What are your future goals for your craft? My goal for my art is to be able to do events for people such as birthday parties, weddings or any other kind of celebration.
What are you most excited about for DEVIATE? Why should people come check you out? I'm excited for this event because it is going to give me the chance to perform for people other than friends and family. This event is a great chance to experience art and the artist first hand. I offer a multi-sensory experience audio visual and if close enough you can feel the warmth of the fire as I spin.
What is your background? How did you get into this? Give us a little history! I picked up spinning fire POI from The underground EDM scene as a young adult. I still remember the very first time I saw somebody spinning fire I was absolutely enamored. I also tried spinning fire for myself that same night, and have not put them down since. This will continue to be a part of my life for the rest of it.