A weekend of inspiration from Sweden

This past weekend we went to the American Swedish Institute to participate in the opening of Craft BOWL. The installation runs through April, and I highly recommend you go see it. Friday night there was a show with Jögge Sundqvist telling his story while making a shrink box. It was an amazing multi media show with music, images and carving! Jögge is a green wood carver and folk artist working in the “slöyd” craft tradition of Scandinavia. He is a skilled craftsman steeped in traditional methods as well as a thoughtful and innovative artist. A great show and a chance to talk to a lot of carvers and crafters in attendance we haven’t seen in a while. All in all an excellent night.

Jögge hollowing out a tree branch for a shrink box on a shave horse.

Jögge’s shrink box

Hobo stick.

Jögge talking to us about his work.