About Fine Design
I was born in Hjo, Sweden, in 1954. My parents had a ceramics factory, producing table ware and gift items for the Scandinavian market. Growing up in a very creative atmosphere, I quickly learned to love designing and modeling objects in clay and plaster .
In 1976, I enrolled in the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland CA, and begun studying many aspects of the visual arts. Upon my return to Sweden in 1979, I became the main designer for the ceramic factory. In 1984, I moved to the U.S., continuing to provide design and modeling services to the Swedish factory from my studio in Oakland, California.
“I feel very lucky to be part of a long tradition of working with designs and shapes developed and used by artists and craftsmen throughout the ages.”
In the late 1980's the family business was sold, and in 1991 I began carving low relief architectural ornaments, providing clients with custom designed, hand carved decorative elements. Today, I work mainly with a reconstituted limestone product manufactured by ArcusStone, Oakland, CA. The material, which is applied to walls, ceilings and floors as a wet slurry, is remarkably versatile. The ornaments are hand carved while the stone material is still soft , allowing me to use ordinary clay and plaster tools, but I often create special tools needed for specific carving tasks. Many of the carving techniques are variations of working with clay, however I have had to develop some additional carving methods due to the fact that the material sets up completely in 8 hours or less. Speed is of the essence!
The ornaments are usually made by adding a 1" - 3" thick layer of wet mix on top of flat "stones", previously created by licensed ArcusStone applicators, thus creating the impression that the carving is chiseled out of a larger block of stone. This adds a more realistic look to the carving, providing bulk and weight to the ornament. The ArcusStone applicators specialize in applying the lime stone coating to interior and exterior walls, framed fire place mantels, wine cellars and other areas where an authentic stone look is desired. My carvings are then added to further enhance the stone work. As a final step, stone surfaces and carvings are often stained and distressed to give them an “antique" appearance.
Most projects are residential, but clients also include restaurants, hotels and wineries.
I design, draw and prepare all patterns needed for my carvings. One of the highlights of this job, is studying books and pictures of beautiful, old patterns which can then serve as inspirations for my own designs.
Growing up in Sweden, surrounded by historical landmarks, I developed a deep appreciation for the architecture of the past. Trips to southern Europe reinforced this love. I feel very lucky to be part of a long tradition of working with designs and shapes developed and used by artists and craftsmen throughout the ages.
P.S. In addition to low relief carving, I also work with painting and sculpture. Please click here to view some of my art work in other media.
