Localfolk Trondheim

TRONDHEIM / TRØNDEL AG / BRITANNIA HOTEL / ANTI / FAGN

Localfolk

N O RWAY

Localfolk

TRONDHEIM EDITION

VOL III May 2021

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Mette Tønnessen mette@localfolknorway.com

Editorial Concept Design Mette Tønnessen Words Maria Vole, Kai Isaksen, Julia Elizabeth Yager, Sally Fox, Benjamin Norris, Charlie Jarvis

Localfolk Norway - a Localfolk Collection Publication A big thank you to all the contributors and everyone else who supports Localfolk Norway. We provide highquality content marketing/advertorials to promote the best Norway has to offer of design, food, architecture and innovation.

Images Jarle Hvidsten, Elisabeth Sofie Hovde, Anti, Per Gunnarsson, Inger Marie Grini, Tom Gustavsen, Hilde Kvivik Kavli, Sofie Brovold, Mint Agency, Roar Solem, Pasi Aalto, Hallvar Bugge Johnsen, Erik Børseth, Lars Petter Pettersen, Marius Rua, Studio Dreyer + Hensley, Fredrik Ringe, Jens Westbye, Åse Fagervik, Martin Fossen, Vibeke Caroline L F Strømmen, Elisabeth Anstensen, Ole Ekker, Holstad Gård, Heidi Mitsel Bullen, Petter Andreas Jørgensen, Kristin Slotterøy, Photographer Eidsmo, Sigurd Løseth, Christian Trustrup Subscribe Visit our website at www.localfolknorway.com to subscribe to our magazine, and recieve every issue in your email.

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Cover "Camilla Frank" Jarle Hvidsten

www.localfolknorway.com post@localfolknorway.com instagram.com/localfolknorway facebook.com/localfolknorway

LOCALFOLK

The premier design platform where you can find Norway’s independent makers and local businesses. Our mission is to introduce you to creatives from all over Norway, by telling their story.

Localfolk is a quarterly design magazine that was born to enrich our online catalogue and support our community, writing about local artisans, makers, designers, and entrepreneurs. Each issue, you’ll discover a new region of Norway through the eyes of its creative community.

We’ll introduce you to these dynamic businesses and producers through fascinating interviews, in-depth features and high-quality photography.

TRONDHEIM/TRØNDELAG

Welcome to this presentation of the creative community in Trondheim/Trøndelag. This curated collection of creatives is a celebration of the versatile range of talent and skills that is available in Trøndelag. We hope you get inspired!

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Granskauen Destilleri / Pala Kaffebrenneri / Holstad Gård

Gravraak Teateliér / Jentene på Tunet / Stokkøya Sjøsenter / Trondheim Sjokolade /

Anti / Britannia Hotel / Bordfolk / Røros Tweed / Maja Stabel / Neo hytter / Jacobsen & Svart /

VOL III

CONTENTS

Localfolk Trondheim Edition

010

Welcome to Trondheim

DESIGN, ART & ARCHITECTURE 020

Anti Trondheim

Brand Agency

032

Neo Hytter

Architecture

042 Bordfolk

Design & Food

050

Røros Tweed

Design

060

Maja Stabel

Fashion

MAKER INTERVIEWS

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Brit Dyrnes

Ceramicist

078

Carina Wold

Artist

084

Petter Andreas Jørgensen

Artist

090

Bente M Strømmen

Ceramicist & Artist

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Gallery Mitsel

Artist

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Åse Fagervik

Artist

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Tove Svartkjønnli

Paper Art

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FOOD, DRINKS & CULTURE 108

Jentene på Tunet

Chocolate

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Stokkøya Strandhotell

Hotel

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Pala Kaffebrenneri

Coffee

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Trondheim Sjokolade

Chocolate

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Gravraak Teateliér

Tea

148

Granskauen Destillery

Drinks

156

Britannia Hotel

Hotel

174 Fagn Restaurant 184

Holstad Gård

Produce

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Jacobsen & Svart

Coffee

PHOTOGRAPHERS 194

Jarle Hvidsten

Commercial/ Fashion

206

Christian Trustrup

Landscape

214

Sigurd Løseth

Landscape

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TRONDHEIM HOME OF NORDIC FLAVOURS

From the Viking Capital of Norway to the Home of Nordic Flavours, Trondheim fosters a culture of innovation and rich tradition. With a history that dates back 1,000 years, Trøndelag’s deep forests, vast mountains, and seafood-rich fjords have attracted people to the region for centuries. Among them is a community of talented artists and creatives, made up of ceramicists and painters, designers and builders, musicians and farmers, photographers and videographers, chocolatiers and Michelin star chefs… the list goes on. As such, Trondheim is known today for its progressive nature and vibrant city life - a world-class destination for art, technology, history, sustainability, and culture.

Images / Jarle Hvidsten / Visit Trondheim Words / Julia Elizabeth Yager

County / Trøndelag Coordinates / 63.4305° N, 10.3951° E Founded / 997 AD

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espite being Norway’s third-largest city with just over 200,000 inhabitants, Trondheim retains its small-town heart and charm. To the west of the city centre, a neighbourhood called Ila is home to a tight-knit network of artistic souls and creative minds.

It’s a place where old meets new, traditional meets industrial, and urban meets nature. A myriad of wooden buildings house eateries and galleries, and countless colourful murals still remain from the Trondheim Street Art Festival in 2018. On the east side of the city centre, the hip yet historic area of Bakklandet features cobbled pedestrian streets sprinkled with cosy boutiques, unique restaurants, and historical sites.

Connecting Bakklandet to the rest of the city is Gamle Bybro, a bridge across the Nidelva river with picturesque views of 18th-century wooden wharfs. On the opposite side of the bridge, the Trondheim Art Museum is known for its extensive collection of Norwegian, international, and contemporary art. Next door, the Nidaros Cathedral is a prime example of Gothic architecture and fine craftsmanship, with roughly 5,000 sculptures covering its walls. Similarly, the Archbishop’s Palace Museum contains 120 medieval sculptures, as well as an impressive array of archaeological finds.

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“Given the local production of high-quality ingredients from both

sea and land, chefs are taking advantage of the region’s resources and pushing the limits of regional cuisine.”

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VISITTRONDHEIM.NO

INSTAGRAM @VISITTRONDHEIM

In addition to preserving history and culture through art, these attractions play an important role in shaping the country’s future generation of artists.

As the unofficial foodie capital of Norway, Trondheim boasts three Michelin Star restaurants - Fagn, Speilsalen, and Credo - and was recently recognised as the European Region of Gastronomy 2022 through the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. From coffee shops and craft breweries, to local markets and farm-to-table restaurants, the city is currently undergoing a culinary revolution of sorts. Given the local production of high-quality ingredients from both sea and land, chefs are taking advantage of the region’s resources and pushing the limits of regional cuisine. The annual Trøndelag Food Festival and Trondheim Brewery Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the success of baristas, brewers, chefs, farmers, and foragers alike.

Trondheim has become well-known for its summer festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. In addition to the Food and Brewery Festival, there’s Olavsfest, Festningen, and Pstereo. Trondheim International Olavsfest is a folklife festival to celebrate tradition and culture, whereas Festningen and Pstereo are among Central Norway’s largest music festivals. These events draw huge international crowds and are a vital part of Trøndelag’s cultural scene. Between trendy neighbourhoods, architectural gems, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, and an impressive festival season, it’s no wonder that Trondheim is home to a flourishing creative community.

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DESIGN / ART / ARCHITECTURE TRONDHEIM/TRØNDELAG

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AN T I

Images /ANTI Words / Benjamin Norris

Curiosity, Interference, and Redefining Norwegian Brands ANTI (or A New Type of Interference, to give them their full title) specialise in making a bold impact.

When Localfolk came calling for a conversation at their Trondheim office, the two co-founders - Robert Dalen and Stian Ward Bugten - are impeccably suited, sitting side by side in what appears to be the lair of a James Bond villain, softly backlit by a golden glow bouncing off a vast rough-hewn rockface.

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hey’re quick to tell me that their Trondheim headquarters is located in Dora II, an unfinished subterranean German U-boat bunker. “During the occupation of Norway during World War II, an ambitious scheme was set out to turn Trondheim into New Trondheim (Neu Drontheim), the northernmost cultural capital and naval base”, Stian informs me. As far as memorable first impressions go, ANTI have most definitely made their mark.

The firm’s ability to create ripples of excitement, which grow into waves of disruption, extends far beyond their choice of interiors. Over the past decade, ANTI have become the firm to go to when it comes to audacious, groundbreaking, and seamlessly beautiful design idioms. As Stian explains, “we have a very diverse portfolio, featuring massive institutions in finance and telecommunications, cultural institutions, hospitality, museums, libraries, right down to the startups. We know the value that we can bring through communications and branding, and that’s part of what brings these clients to our door”.

Diversity is clearly the key word when it comes to ANTI’s clients. When asked whether they could describe the typical type of company that calls upon them for their branding and design services, they respond with one word: “No.”

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“Interference for us means having that hunger to go the extra step, to push things to the limit in every aspect of our craft”.

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Despite the partners’ internationalist leanings and cosmopolitan background (Stian studied in London before being snapped up by advertising giant Leo Burnett in New York, and Robert boasts a similarly impressive globe-trotting resume), the city of Trondheim somehow retained its pull. Eventually, they returned home to a far more dynamised local scene than they’d ever remembered.

“I originally studied photography”, Robert tells me. “I was always fascinated by the power of visual communication. However, photography seemed too stressful, so I went on to become an art director with no formal qualifications, before being invited by a friend in Bergen to launch ANTI. From there, things moved quickly - I sold everything, moved to Bergen, and after seven years I began hearing about the excitement in Trondheim. I never thought I’d come back to Trondheim.

When I was growing up, nothing happened here!”

Stian is similarly impressed by the city’s rapid growth, and goes to give clues as to why ANTI feels so at home there. “Trondheim is a small town that’s growing incredibly quickly, but which has always had this rebellious spirit.

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It is where some simple farmers and craftsmen assassinated the Viking king of Norway!”

He goes onto mention the deep relationship that Trondheim has with craftsmanship, explaining that this is, at essence, what ANTI is all about. Today, however, the city is best known for its technological innovations.

“The best students from across the globe come to Trondheim, and patents from the university NTNU are used by tech companies worldwide. The early GSM network was invented here. Technology for offshore was invented here. There’s huge excitement regarding Trondheim’s role in the future. We often refer to it as a tiny, tiny Silicon Valley, the tech capital of Norway”.

There’s a rock ‘n’ roll sensibility to ANTI which appears to permeate everything that Stian, Robert, and their respective teams do. As Stian explains, “interference for us means having that hunger to go the extra step, to push things to the limit in every aspect of our craft”.

Robert enthusiastically agrees, stating that “interference is not just in our name, it’s what we do. We want to take everything further, and get that surprise factor into every project”.

This approach has led to ANTI developing a number of practices which demonstrate just how committed, yet how unusual, the company is when it comes to their own growth and the honing of that craftsmanship. “We have a culture of developing our own brands”, states Robert. “This is how we learn, and it’s how we find new ways of creating interference”.

According to Stian, “designers are all too often removed from the business side of things. They might be able to create beautiful images, but lack the understanding that allows them to really make change. By setting up and investing in our own brands internally, we really understand the challenges that startups face”. ANTI have developed a coffee brand “Heimbrent” inspired by Trondheim’s history of moonshine production, a brand which makes use of ocean trash, and a jeans label, to mention just three. To say their ambition matches their talent would be something of an understatement.

It’s commented that this holistic approach would be impressive on its own, but when coupled with the artistry and undeniable beauty of ANTI’s work, it becomes nothing short of revelatory. Robert responds: “We need to find these big ideas, but they always need to be delivered with visual excellence”, going on to say that because ANTI was originally launched purely as a design agency, that dedication to aesthetics and engagement with design is deep-rooted into the company’s culture.

“All of our approaches come back to us being curious and open”, Stian says. That, in essence, seems to be the spirit of Trondheim defined.

ANTI.AS

INSTAGRAM @ANTITRONDHEIM

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Neo hytter

We give you the rooms, you fill them with life Founded by Roar Solem and Stian Lønvik in 2018, Neo hytter began with a dream of building a home away from home for their families. Today, the team helps customers realise their own cabin dreams by creating modern and inviting spaces that bring the outdoors in.

Images / Sofie Brovold Words / Kai Isaksen & Julia Elizabeth Yager

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hen Roar and Stian visited Selbu to look at land in 2014, they had no plans to actually purchase the land or build a cabin. “We just fell in love with the area immediately and ended up buying plots of land right next to each other,” they told Localfolk.

Shortly thereafter, Roar and Stian started the process of designing and building their dream cabins.

They spoke with several companies offering a wide variety of ready-made cabin designs, but they struggled to find one that suited all their needs. Naturally, they decided to draw their own designs from scratch.

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between Roar’s background in engineering and industrial economics, and Stian’s business degree and job as an accountant, their skill sets complemented each other well. Six months later, Roar and Stian had come up with a concept they were happy with, thereby creating a foundation for what would eventually become a successful and fast-growing business. They currently have 30 ongoing projects and have had to employ a third person to coordinate logistics and suppliers, all thanks to Instagram.

Roar and Stian created Instagram accounts and started posting photos of their cabins as they were being built.

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Left image / Mint Agency

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“Despite offering three basic

concepts - ‘Kjerne’, ‘Sikt’, and

‘Stable’ - we have yet to deliver two identical huts.”

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Left image / Roar Solem

Little did they know that sharing the process on social media would result in a number of inquiries and questions about their design concept. Recognising that this might be a business idea, they founded Neo hytter to manage the requests. A few months later, Roar and Stian quit their day jobs to devote all of their energy to their new company. During their first full year of business, they completed six projects all across Norway - from Troms in the north to Telemark in the south.

What sets Neo hytter apart from competitors is their attention to detail, quality of materials, and customer flexibility. Although the cabins come pre-designed, the team works closely with each customer to ensure that the final design is a perfect match for their needs. “Despite offering three basic concepts - ‘Kjerne’, ‘Sikt’, and ‘Stable’ - we have yet to deliver two identical huts, and this flexibility is greatly appreciated by our customers,” says Stian. Moreover, the close relationship that Neo hytter builds with each of its customers is one of the keys to their success.

Another difference between Neo hytter and other cabin building companies is their focus on local labour and materials. Rather than bringing their own crew to each job site, the team encourages customers to use local contractors. In addition, they use locally produced materials wherever possible. As such, Neo hytter has built relationships with builders all around the country and also accumulated a nationwide network of suppliers, which results in efficient cooperation and simplified logistics.

Instagram remains the main marketing channel for Neo hytter, and they regularly receive requests from customers in other countries - namely Sweden, Denmark, and places in central Europe. “We don’t have a strategic plan to expand beyond Norway at the moment, but if and when we do, it would probably make the most sense to start with Sweden.” Right now, Roar and Stian are focused on staying true to their concepts of quality, flexibility, and customer satisfaction.

NEOHYTTER.NO

INSTAGRAM @NEOHYTTER

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Bordfolk

A place for cooking, calm, and togetherness.

Elisabeth Sofie Hovde’s lifestyle brand began as a personal project inspired by her family. Now, the photographer is celebrating simplicity, slowness, and beautiful things at Bordfolk’s new Trondheim store.

Images / Elisabeth Sofie Hovde Words / Charlie Jarvis

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“W

e come together, sit down, and put everything aside. The table is where we talk, where we reconnect, where we just figure out each other’s brains.”

For Elisabeth Sofie Hovde, owner of food photography and lifestyle brand Bordfolk (that’s ‘table people’ in Norwegian), the table is the centre of the home and the family. It’s a space of tranquillity and togetherness, or what Elisabeth calls, in Norwegian, ro, tid, pust: calmness, time, and breath. “We can sit round a table for hours!”, she says.

“As a family we like to take time to enjoy cooking and to sit down together. That’s what I want to inspire others to do too.”

Bordfolk’s focus on cooking, the home, and the pleasures of food and family has its roots in a project Elisabeth started when studying photography at college. “Our family had lots of my grandmother’s handwritten recipes,” Elisabeth explains. “When I moved out, I began to cook for myself for the first time, using her recipes. But I needed to call her up every night to ask for help! So, for a college assignment, I thought it would be nice to collect some of her and my family’s recipes, photograph the food, and to gather the essence of the family home through the images.”

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Yet, if Bordfolk began as a “time capsule” for Elisabeth and her family’s memory, it soon became much more. First, a food photography blog, showcasing Elisabeth’s work and cooking. Then a web shop selling her own prints, lifestyle, cooking and photography books, and bowls and plates.

Then, a pop-up shop, and finally in November 2020, a permanent store in Trondheim’s central Midtbyen. Now, Elisabeth says, she’s doing exactly what she’s always meant to be doing. “When I discovered the space for the store”, she explains, “it felt like all the pieces had fallen into place.

I love working in a shop. It gives me such a rush when people come in and like the things they find”.

Like everything about Bordfolk, Elisabeth’s approach to curating her store and its products has always been deeply personal. Everything Bordfolk sells has a meaning, or some sort of resonance for Elisabeth. “I’ve always paid attention to the things around me,” she explains, “and I’ve tried to surround myself with things that create a good environment for me and my family. That’s what I do with Bordfolk. I want to sell things that I can stand for. Things should have a story.”

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It's these stories that she now tells through her photography. The Bordfolk store has meant Elisabeth has had to sacrifice her freelance photography work, yet the practice still plays a central creative role in her life and helps to market the brand online. “Photography is my way to express and share my world,” she says. “I can talk for half an hour and feel like I haven’t said anything! But if I show you a photograph, you’ll get what I want to say immediately.”

She is being a little hard on herself. Elisabeth’s impeccable still-life photography does let her products speak beautifully for themselves. Yet, Elisabeth is herself incredibly eloquent, particularly about her values and what she hopes to achieve with the brand: “I want people to find inspiration here, to find things to create their own calm space,” she explains. “Ultimately, for me, the simple things in life build strength. I seek a simple life with things that I enjoy, both to eat and to surround myself with. And I want others to be able to do that too.”

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Røros Tweed

Blankets, throws, and pillows crafted from pure Norwegian wool.

Røros Tweed has been making throws and blankets from the same wool for the last eighty years. Now one of Norway’s leading design brands, its focus remains on local methods and materials and the diversity of Norwegian design.

Image / Per Gunnarsson Words / Charlie Jarvis

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øros Tweed is proud of its roots. They run deep into the 18th century, when, in the copper mining town of Røros, high in the hills of Trøndelag, a mine director bequeathed his fortune to a foundation offering practical education to the poor. He would provide local wool – then buy back from the weavers the products they made. After 150 years of handcraft and textile production, in 1940, a sales outlet was launched to sell these handmade textiles.

They called it Røros Tweed.

“There’s a serious amount of history in the company”, Røros Tweed’s new creative director, Thomas Frodahl, tells Localfolk, describing how the brand is still based in the same factories, using the same wool from the same mountain sheep, even after 80 years. “I’ve been working in the fashion industry for

Left Image / Inger Marie Grini

25 years and you’ll never find a brand that’s more authentic or genuine.

Everything that the biggest brands are aiming for now – local production, direct relationships with producers and farmers – Røros Tweed has been doing forever.”

Røros’s brand is built on its commitment to a single material: the wool from Norwegian mountain sheep, or what Thomas calls “white gold”. “Usually, Norwegian farmers focus on cultivating sheep for food, with the wool being this underused commodity”, he explains. “But the material is exceptional. Thanks to the Norwegian climate, the wool we use is much thicker, more twisted, and shinier than other wools from around the world. This local wool is embedded in our history and our products – and, luckily for us, we have

the best wool that Norway can offer!”.

While the family-owned company is rooted in tradition, there have been some big changes in recent years. Røros Tweed now has dealers and customers all over the world. There are plans afoot to open a dedicated showroom in central Oslo. And, crucially, the brand has been recently working with some of the biggest names of Norwegian and international design – from Bjarne Melgaard and Snøhetta to Kristine Five Melvær and Anderssen & Voll. As Thomas explains, “We’ve kept our traditions and focus on design by working with people we admire in interior textiles and architecture, art, illustration, and design and fashion”.

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“We work with talents we find interesting and let them interpret the brand and bring their own designs and colours and looks and feels”.

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Image / Tom Gustavsen

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Top Image / Hilde Kvivik Kavli Left Image / Inger Marie Grini

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Yet, even in its collaborations, Røros Tweed’s approach remains local, committed to Norwegian talent, and stylistically unique. “We’ve never tried to create a cohesive ‘collection’ or a seasonal range that has to be replaced every six months,” Thomas points out. “Instead, we work with talents we find interesting and let them interpret the brand and bring their own designs and colours and looks and feels.

If you look at the collection, there’s such a wide range of styles. The thing that brings them together is this belief that we’re sharing and supporting Norwegian talent in the spirit of the brand’s founder – and 58

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giving back to the local community.”

So, while Røros Tweed is building a name for itself across the world, the company stays firmly tied to its history – and ultimately Thomas wants it to stay that way. “In terms of what we are actually going to be making, we’ll do what we’ve been doing for eighty years. That means no compromise on making the absolute highest quality woollen products we can”.

ROROSTWEED.NO INSTAGRAM @ROROSTWEED Right Image / Inger Marie Grini Left Image / Tom Gustavsen

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Creating wearable treasures from sustainable materials

Maja Stabel Blending illustration and embroidery, textile art and sustainable fashion, Maja Stabel has always forged her own creative path. Now she wants to bring her work to a global audience.

“New treasures”. That’s Maja Stabel’s vision for the clothes she designs and upcycles. “What I am interested in is clothes as pieces of art, like new unique treasures,” she tells Localfolk. “Anything can become a treasure – from an old blanket to a curtain”.

Maja makes textile pieces, illustrations, and zero-waste clothing from sustainable and second-hand materials, from her family home on a farm near Trondheim. Her work challenges the boundaries of fashion, design, and creative practice. And, although she characterises herself as a designer and textile artist, she’s uncomfortable with these conventional artistic identities. “Designer, illustrator, artist – I want to get rid of all these labels!”, she says. “I’ve spent a long time thinking about how all the aspects of my practice fit together. Now, I’m letting go of everything and just doing what I love. I believe we should all do that, because that’s when treasures are made.”

Maja’s fluid creative approach – combining illustration and watercolour with sustainable fashion and embroidery – is testament to her varied career. One of the first students to study Sustainable Fashion Design at KEA in Copenhagen, she was commissioned after graduation by the designer, David Andersen, to produce a fashion line focusing on zero-waste techniques. “This zero-waste thing was very new at the time”, she explains, “and I was trying to figure out how to make it work. The challenge of trying to use every part of the fabric has helped my creative process ever since!”

Images / Elisabeth Anstensen Words / Charlie Jarvis

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“Sustainability, essentially, is about going inside ourselves and mending ourselves – not making ourselves feel better just by consuming stuff ”.

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MAJASTABEL.NO INSTAGRAM @MAJASTABEL

But after her time in Copenhagen, Maja returned home to Norway, to start her own illustration practice, to study pedagogics, and to share the techniques, principles, and skills of zero waste through community workshops. “I love to have live workshops, although it’s been a long time since I have done that now”, she says, citing the pandemic. These experiments in co-creation have given her an opportunity to incorporate teaching and community into her work – practices and values that she says aren’t always welcome in the conventional fashion design business model.

They provide the second-hand materials and work to produce the garments to Maja’s design. And from these old tablecloths, or flowery curtains, they are together able to produce what she calls “unique treasures with exceptional quality and craftsmanship”.

While live education is still off the cards for the timebeing, Maja has spent the pandemic between her farm and her studio in Sluppen working to make her production more sustainable. “One of the hardest things has always been to source quality sustainable materials,” she tells us, giving us an insight into what happens behind the scenes. “While I’ve worked with local second-hand retailers in the past, these didn’t always work out. Now, second-hand fabrics are starting to sell so much that it is difficult to get your hands on the materials for different reasons – and that’s a good thing!”.

“Sustainability, essentially, is about going inside ourselves and mending ourselves – not making ourselves feel better just by consuming stuff ”, she explains. “I think that we need to go back in time in how we treat our clothes.

Everything you purchase should mean something to you, should speak to you. And I want to create clothes that do exactly that.”

But she’s found a solution. She’s now collaborating with XV Production, a textile manufacturer in Borås, Sweden.

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It's that word again: treasures. “That’s kind of my philosophy”, she says. “Second-hand things can be upcycled into something of so much more value.” In this way, the beauty and value of clothing, for Maja, is fundamentally linked to sustainability.

To conclude, we ask her about her ambitions – and she’s wonderfully frank. “I want my brand to be known all over the world! I think it is important to have big aspirations. My aim is to get my message out to more and more people. That’s my mission.”

Image / Ole Ekker

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MAKER INTERVIEWS TRONDHEIM/TRØNDELAG

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ARTIST & CERAMICIST

Brit Dyrnes Brit Dyrnes is an artist and ceramicist with over 50 years of experience, and her new exhibition, EMNE, has just launched in Trondheim.

Alongside her long career in the arts, Brit has also been heavily involved in social campaigning on behalf of craft artists for years.

Images / infinitiv.no w/Erik Børseth Words / Maria Vole

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n her career as an artist, Brit explores a range of different disciplines – but works mainly with clay.

“I find clay to be a very fascinating material. I have about 50 years experience working with clay and a lot of knowledge about the medium, but it can still surprise me. I love to experiment, and clay is such an interesting material and can be shaped according to what meaning you’re trying to convey,” she says.

Brit’s creative process is very dynamic, and she relies on experimentation.

“I never plan or sketch a piece ahead of time before I start working on it – I have an idea of what I want to achieve in my mind’s eye. I try out different techniques and see what comes of it, and then I continue to build and sculpt the piece from there until I feel that it’s right. I work very intuitively, and it’s an experimental process,” Brit explains.

This charismatic artist is very passionate about the arts. Alongside her work as an artist, Brit is very active in the art and culture space.

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“In many ways, I’m an entrepreneur as an artist – I’ve established and contributed to several important projects in Trondheim related to art and culture, such as Trondheim Open.”

Brit has worked hard for many years to strengthen the position of craft artists in Norway, and won The Norwegian Association for Arts and Crafts’ honorary award in 2019 for her efforts in social engagement.

“It’s very important for me to work towards improving the position of artists in Norwegian society. For me, this is about being able to make a living from art and artistic expression being valued. We need to achieve dignity, fair payment and a recognition of what craft artists contribute to society,” Brit says.

Brit has exhibited her work with many exhibitions in Norway and beyond, and her work as an artist is prolific.

“I’m a very active, dynamic person with a lot of energy, and I always have a lot going on at once.

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“It’s very important for me to work towards improving the position of artists in Norwegian society. For me, this is about being able to make a living from art and artistic expression being valued”.

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At the same time, much like all other human beings, I’m also vulnerable.”

Brit has also used her artistic selfexpression as a way to reflect on the human condition and the fragility and significance of our experience as human beings.

“Clay is a very physical material, and I was able to use this to work through issues in my own life.

In the process of creating, a lot happened. Clay is a strong material, but experimenting with it led to the ceramic objects developing cracks and collapsing,” Brit says.

Her exploration of the limitations and possibilities of her chosen medium resulted in interesting and poignant pieces.

Brit draws a lot of inspiration from our lives as human beings, and she also finds inspiration in nature and her surroundings.

“Nature is an important element for me,” she says. “As an artist, I’m interested in how nature affects me and how we as human beings connect and interact with the nature around us. I go outside to find raw materials to use in my work, and I draw a lot of inspiration from the nature and landscapes around me – using my senses, taking it all in, seeing the changing seasons.”

In fact, Brit was so interested to explore how the landscape impacts artists in terms of natural surroundings but also related to human beings, that she recently decided to make a change in her own surroundings. Brit had lived in Trondheim most of her life before deciding to move to Surnadal, a charming rural community located between Molde and Kristiansund.

The artist now divides her time between Surnadal and Trondheim, where her family still lives.

For Brit, connecting with other people, places and things is key for her practice as an artist.

“You could almost call me a nomadic artist – I travel a lot. I’ve been to Japan several times, and am associated with a cultural centre in Italy. I love to interact with international artists and ceramicists, and I enjoy the exchange of ideas and knowledge,” she says. “Travelling and connecting with other people inspires me a lot.

No matter how old you get, you can still learn something every day.”

WWW.BRITDYRNES.COM

INSTAGRAM @BRITDYRNES

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ARTIST

Carina Wold A deeply creative person, Carina Wold is committed to painting alongside her job as an Art Director. Her pieces are mainly abstract, and always contain multitudes of depth and meaning.

Images / Jens Westbye Words / Maria Vole

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arina Wold works as an Art Director in an advertising agency, and works on her art in her spare time. “I get to be creative in my profession, but I don’t get that need covered enough. I’d say I have a creative surplus that needs to come out, so I paint as often as I can when I’m not at work,” Carina says. “Some people might say that you’re not a real artist unless you sacrifice everything for your art, and for a lot of artists, that’s probably true. But I don’t know if I would have something to paint about if I didn’t fill my life with experiences and impulses you get through a professional and family life.”

Though she has experimented with different styles, Carina’s paintings are now mostly abstract. “I like the freedom in abstraction – when you create and visualise something that doesn't exist. Yet, people have the basic need to try to understand, to look for something familiar in the unknown,” she says.

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She’s interested in the varied interpretations and experiences of art. “I like that people attach their own interpretations to my paintings and create their own experiences of it – it gives the work a longer, richer life.

The fact that the paintings are looked at with new eyes is exciting. You can discover something completely new in them in a different way than with figurative paintings.

In that way, they’re also more interesting to have on the wall - like a story that never ends,” she says.

For Carina, the title adds important meaning and depth to the art. “Abstract art is often untitled, so as not to lead the viewer – but my paintings aren’t finished until they get a title, otherwise it would be like a child without a name. There is so much identity and history in titles.

For me, the title is a big part of the work. With the title, I can emphasise the content, use my voice, confuse or even play with completely new words and expressions that help to enhance the visual experience. I think that's exciting.”

Facing Image / New Beginnings

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For this creative artist, her artistic expression is important in several ways. “I’m very happy when I get to paint. It's something I’d like to take up more space in my everyday life. It's a cliché, but to me, painting is mindfulness. At the same time, you get to use your voice – express opinions and things that are important to you,” she says. “There are several things that inspire me. My kids – they’re so free when they create, without thinking or planning. They just do, and I like that! I’m also very inspired by Inger Sitter, who was not only a great artist, but also an important female role model. In general, equality and balance are important to me, and these are themes that are often repeated in my art. It’s interesting that the income gap between female and male artists

is larger than in society in general in Norway and that 90% of the art in Norwegian art collections is made by men. One of several reasons for the gender imbalance in different industries and society in general often points to a lack of role models – so we women should be louder and braver. More girl power to the world!”

Carina has big ambitions for the future. “Of course, it would be exciting to have my pieces exhibited in a gallery. It would also be very rewarding to decorate a restaurant or a hotel. In those spaces, my paintings will be seen by more than just art enthusiasts – they’ll be part of a richer experience. I like that!”

CARINAWOLD.NO INSTAGRAM @CARINAWOLD_ART

Facing Image / Grønn Stær Left Image/ Feels like Right Image / Tangled

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Petter Andreas Jørgensen ARTIST A self-taught painter with a focus on abstract and figurative motifs, Petter uses a combination of acrylic paint and charcoal to create melancholic portraits and landscapes. He currently works as a health secretary at St. Olav’s University Hospital in Trondheim, but hopes to make a living from his art one day.

Petter discovered his passion for art about a decade ago. At a time when he was looking for a new hobby to delve into, he came across painting, and it soon became a serious passion. Despite having no formal art education, he has since been able to make a name for himself in the industry. Today, his work is featured in exhibitions around Trondheim, but the truth is he never planned on becoming a painter.

Images / Petter Andreas Jørgensen Words / Kai isaksen & Julia Elizabeth Yager

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“Many people ask me if there is an element of depression behind the paintings, but I would rather use the word melancholic to describe my work.”

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INSTAGRAM @PAINTJORGENSEN

Growing up, Petter was drawn to music and dreamed of becoming a pop star. In the mid-90s, he released his first single at the age of 18, and was quickly recognised as a rising star on Norway’s pop music scene. Suddenly his future was looking bright, but shortly thereafter, darkness hit and Petter disappeared from the music scene. The moment he started painting, however, he experienced the same positive feelings that music had given him several years earlier.

His unique style of combining acrylic paint and charcoal to portray the shadows of the human mind is heavily influenced by his own life experiences. “Many people ask me if there is an element of depression behind the paintings, but I would rather use the word melancholic to describe my work.” His art was featured in a solo exhibition titled “Rebel” at Akron Gallery in 2017, and he is now working towards his next exhibition.

Petter describes his creative process as intuitive and iterative, and his technique can change from one day to the next. In fact, he was once asked to teach a course about his painting technique, but found that it was almost impossible to explain to others how

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he worked. “I try to create strong impressions and voices, and I am especially fascinated by the light I see displayed in nature with the transition from spring to summer.”

More often than not, Petter doesn’t know what his paintings will look like in the end, only a general idea of what he wants to paint - such as an urban landscape or a person. “Sometimes I repaint the background several times until I find the right combination of colours and light.” He creates his work in complete silence, since music can change how he expresses himself on the canvas, and there is usually no specific message that he wishes to convey with each painting.

When asked to share who inspires him as an artist, Petter mentions Edvard Munch and Lars Lerin. That said, he is careful not to copy or compare himself to other painters. While Petter would love to make a living from his art, he says that marketing his work and increasing his level of production are two of the things that are standing in the way of making this his full-time job. For now, he enjoys working in healthcare and finds tons of inspiration for his art in his daily life.

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Bente M Strømmen The curious artist Bente M Strømmen always loved to create, but it wasn’t until her 40s that she got a formal education as an artist. After exploring several mediums and techniques over the years, it was after her debut exhibition in ceramics in 1997 that Bente quickly went on to hold exhibitions all over the country, and became the versatile artist she is today.

“I like to express myself through painting, such as oil, acrylic and watercolours. I find a welcome challenge in trying new techniques such as charcoal, felt-tip pens, crayon, pastels and oil and fabric printing,” Bente says. She’s also deeply interested in ceramics, and in particular the ancient art of raku, a Japanese ceramics technique. “In ceramics, especially raku, there are unimaginable possibilities that stimulate my creativity,” she says.

ARTIST & CERAMICIST Facing Image "Folder" / Martin Fossen & Vibeke Caroline L F Strømmen Words / Maria Vole

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Image Title / Solsjøen

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Top Image / Solgull Bottom Image / Ut

BARAKU.NO INSTAGRAM @BENTEMSTROEMMEN

“I think the fact that I’ve always tried out different techniques has contributed to a diversity within my artistic life,” Bente tells Localfolk. “This was expressed especially well in my exhibition at the Røros Museum in 2011/2012, where I exhibited watercolours, oil paintings, acrylic paintings, fabric prints, raku ceramics and a macro photo of raku ceramics on anodised aluminum plates. In connection with the exhibition, an art book was also published with pictures and texts in ceramics, paintings and watercolour.”

She has a dynamic process for creating her different pieces depending on the medium.

“When it comes to paintings, the creative process usually starts with a blank sheet or canvas. The colours are important and often determine the motif. It can be intuitive, an idea or something I’ve seen, recently experienced or if I find myself in a certain mood because of music or nature,” Bente says. “My watercolour on rice paper pieces are like a story — a vision of a people and another world”.

While her work in painting can be spontaneous and fluid, Bente’s work in ceramics requires much more planning.“ As a ceramicist, I spend a lot of time planning, testing and trying out different materials with clay. I like to start with sketching first, before I

draw shapes, cast plaster molds in cast sand, which become basic shapes for further modeling,” she says.

Bente’s process of creating ceramics is time-consuming and challenging. When things are removed from the oven, everything needs to happen quickly — and the risk of breakage is great. “What I find most inspiring about the raku technique is the unpredictable, the raw, the challenging burning process itself,” she says.

“The whole process of this technique is so exciting and gives me so many great experiences,” Bente says. “It’s a time consuming process, and many months of work goes into it. The burning process is tiring and quite dangerous due to the gas, smoke and chemicals used”.

This is why she only holds one burning per year.

Bente is a versatile artist who draws inspiration from a wide range of sources. “Everything inspires me — especially nature, light, moods, music, colours, words, books, movies, unusual people, any kind of performance from ballet to concerts, artists and art exhibitions,” Bente says.

She believes artists and art play an important role in our society. “I think artists have a big impact in society.

Through their art, they can convey so much.” Bente says.

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Gallery Mitsel

With a Heart for Good Craftsmanship Born a creative, Heidi Mitsel Bullen always knew she would become an artist one day. Now she runs an allin-one workshop, boutique, and gallery in the heart of Straumen, where she sells her own ceramics, glass art, knitwear, paintings, and hand-dyed yarn.

Heidi jumped at the chance and today she sells most of her art directly from her gallery, as well as through a handful of ‘Husfliden’ shops in Trøndelag. She is very content with the size of her business, but remains driven to explore new ideas and concepts.

Situated on ‘The Golden Road’ which passes through scenic parts of Inderøy in Nord-Trøndelag, Gallery Mitsel belongs to a special community of craftsmen, farmers, and cultural attractions. Run by Heidi herself, with a little help from her family, the gallery showcases her multidisciplinary work over three floors. The building features a workshop, a boutique, and an attic gallery, where visitors can not only purchase Heidi’s creations, but also observe her in the creative process.

The journey to the opening of Gallery Mitsel, however, was not linear.

Heidi shared with Localfolk that the market is tough, and she feels very lucky to be able to make a living doing what she loves. At the same time, she admits that working with ceramics and glass can feel more like a job than a hobby, especially when the objective is to produce enough stock before a season. She says that 18- to 19-hour days are not unheard of, especially when stocking up for the busy summer months. That said, she finds peace and tranquillity in painting, creating beautiful landscapes with acrylics and watercolours.

Despite knowing that she wanted to become a ceramicist from an early age, life happened and Heidi found love, got married, and had three children before pursuing her dream. In 2001, she enrolled in a yearlong ceramics course at her local county college. At the same time, she started experimenting with different glass art techniques to develop her skills and broaden her understanding of various art disciplines. “I am driven by a very strong desire to always learn new things and try new techniques, and I want my art to be unique and special.”

Fast-forward to 2014, Heidi was working full-time as a youth worker when she received the opportunity to open her own gallery. In doing so, she would join ‘The Golden Road’ cooperative and aid in their mission to increase awareness of local attractions in the area.

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At Gallery Mitsel, Heidi operates under the philosophy that each piece should be unique, while also adapting her products to the current market conditions. Around Christmas, for example, she increases her production of usable art such as ceramic cups, which many people buy as gifts. When summer comes around, she has more flexibility to experiment with her products, since customers have the time to shop and are willing to spend more on things they love. By matching supply with demand and adjusting her production accordingly, Heidi enjoys working on different art disciplines all year round.

MITSEL.NO INSTAGRAM @GALLERIMITSEL

Image / Heidi Mitsel Bullen Words / Kai Isaksen & Julia Elizabeth Yager

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Åse Marie Fagervik

ARTIST

The artist Åse Marie Fagervik creates a range of stunning paintings. Alongside her exhibitions in Norway, she has also held exhibitions in New York, Paris, Palermo and Venize, and next year she’ll have an exhibition in Cannes. Last year, she started her own art gallery in Trondheim – Gallery Waterloo, where she displays her art which explores a multitude of themes related to spirituality, emotions and the human experience.

“I’m a self-taught artist, and I came to art about 11 years ago,” Åse says. “There was a lot going on in my life at the time – among other things, my mother passed away. I had an unusual, spiritual experience that was a sort of turning point for me in my life, and I went from never having painted before to painting for hours and hours at a time.”

Images / Åse Fagervik Words / Maria Vole

Image Title / The Forever Sun

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ASEFAGERVIK-ART.COM INSTAGRAM @ASEFAGERVIK

She opened her own art gallery, Gallery Waterloo, located in the heart of Trondheim, in the summer of 2020. It was an unusual time to open a gallery due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s been a successful venture. “It’s been a difficult time for so many. I think a lot of people were relieved to be able to enter a colourful world in the midst of all the dull and grey of the pandemic,” she says. “Without art, what would society be? I think it would be quite boring. Art and music offer mental stimuli, which is important for our health and development. ” For Åse, creating is a very intuitive process. “Inspiration can strike at any time for me. I’m inspired by the universe, by creation, the eternal, by thoughts of who we are, what we are, the power we have in ourselves - and what potential we have,” she says. “For me, the process of creating many of my pieces has been intense and deeply felt. It’s a very unique experience.”

There’s a lot of emotional depth to Åse’s pieces. These are paintings that truly tell a story. “I once read a quote

by Vincent Van Gogh that really spoke to me: ‘I dream my paintings, and I paint my dream’. My style sort of came naturally to me – I started painting a lot of circle motifs without having made the conscious decision to do so. I feel as though art chose me, rather than the other way around,“ she says.

For Åse, creating is a powerful, deep experience. “Using art as therapy is wonderful – I think it can have so

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many benefits,” Åse says. “When you’re creating, the world sort of falls away. It’s a unique experience that I really can’t put into words.”

Many people have quite intense, personal responses to her art. “I get a lot of incredible feedback on my work, which I very much appreciate. I’ve had people thank me as they leave my gallery, telling me that they had a real, deep experience interacting with my art,” Åse says. “One lady called me from her hospital bed after she had discovered my paintings – she told me she’d had a healing experience from looking at my work, and that she just wanted me to know how big of an impact it had on her. As an artist, that’s humbling and very moving to hear.”

Alongside her paintings, Åse also creates a limited range of exclusive scarves. These light scarves are produced in a high-quality wool/silk blend, and Åse’s art is printed on them. The beautiful designs have found a lot of popularity – in fact, all of Husfliden’s shops in Trøndelag stock the scarves. Åse is a deeply creative person, and channels her creativity in different ways. “Alongside my painting, I also write. I write a lot of poems, I’ve illustrated a book of poetry, and I’ve also considered publishing a book – who knows what the future holds? I believe that the path is created as you walk it – I live in the moment and follow my intuition.”

Image Title / In The Beginning

PAPIR LAB

Tove Svartkjønnli A bioengineer by profession and paper artist by passion, Tove screens cytology samples by day and creates paper flowers by night. She thinks of paper art as a form of mindfulness meditation, and is on a mission to spread her love for origami with the world.

art, but her natural drive to create and her desire to learn is what kept her coming back for more. When Tove is not making paper flowers in her basement, she may be found in front of a microscope at St. Olav’s University Hospital, identifying cancer cells.

When Tove learned to fold paper frogs in primary school, she never imagined that her newfound fascination with paper would later flourish into a lifelong passion for creating exquisite figures and shapes. The form and structure of origami is what initially attracted her to the

Between her busy work life at the hospital and her equally busy family life with a husband and three children, Tove appreciates the way that origami allows her body to relax and her brain to reset.

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Images / Jarle Hvidsten Words / Kai Isaksen & Julia Elizabeth Yager

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PAPIRLAB.COM INSTAGRAM @PAPIR_LAB

Sometimes she likes to swap the origami paper for crepe paper, especially when she gets the urge to experiment with colours and new designs, since working with crepe paper is a more innovative process. “Origami is very quiet and allows the brain to drift in other directions, whereas the texture of crepe paper makes it quite noisy, so you are forced to focus solely on what you are working on.”

Tove began to explore the world of origami in 2013 and since then, her work has been recognized on both a national and international scale. In 2019, she was invited to attend the Islamic Arts Festival in the United Arab Emirates, where she had her art displayed at the Sharjah Art Museum. With so many new eyes on her work, Tove is excited about the future, but also wary of growing her business too fast. “This has been a very private activity for me, and I want to ensure I can keep that level of intimacy with my work, while accepting more orders from customers at the same time.”

While Tove finds inspiration for her work in many places, she is especially drawn to the different shapes and colours in nature. When asked to share which of her pieces she is most proud of, Tove spoke of a 3D creation depicting the sunset from her home in Trondheim. “We only get this particular sunset with an amazing glowing light for a couple of weeks every year, so I really wanted to capture that.”

In terms of her creative process, Tove often starts with taking stock of her materials. Because there are so few paper artists in Norway, shops only stock a limited range of paper types and related products, which means she has to order most of her supplies from abroad. Tove is working to change that by offering courses in paper folding art, as well as launching digital courses in the near future.

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FOOD / DRINKS / CULTURE TRONDHEIM/TRØNDELAG

VOL III

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Jentene på Tunet Founded by Iris Martinsen Aune and Eivind Aune in 2015, Jentene på Tunet is an award-winning chocolatier based in Selbu and one of the largest handicraft chocolate makers in the Nordic region.

After their widespread success in Norway, they now have their sights set on international expansion.

A Bit of Happiness in Every Piece Images / Elisabeth Sofie Hovde Words / Kai Isaksen & Julia Elizabeth Yager

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ris is a trained chef and dietitian with a passion for creativity and creating memorable tasting experiences. After many years of making chocolates for barn weddings, confirmations, conferences and parties, Iris started playing with the idea of turning her hobby into a business. Today, their products are sold all over Norway under the brand name ‘Sjokoladefryd’, which translates to ‘chocolate joy’.

“We put so much time and love into our craft, so we believe there is a bit of happiness in every piece.”

It all started when Iris and her husband Eivind moved to Selbu in 2009 and purchased Selbutunet one year later, a small hospitality venue with an idyllic riverside location. While Eivind was running a mechanical company, Iris managed Selbutunet and began experimenting with chocolate in her spare time. After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests, she expanded her team and increased production in 2015. Jentene på Tunet has since grown to 18 full-time employees, with even more staff during peak seasons, and close to 2,000 square metres of production space.

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“The objective is to create an unforgettable experience for the eye, the nose, and the palate”.

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JENTENEPAATUNET.NO INSTAGRAM @JENTENEPAATUNET

What sets Jentene på Tunet apart from other chocolate companies is their focus on taste, creativity, and quality. “One key challenge for many companies when they grow like we have in the past few years is to not fall for the temptation to go industrial, thereby compromising on ingredients and flavour in favour of quantity,” Eivind says. They therefore only work with quality-conscious suppliers to ensure that each unique piece of chocolate is handmade with the best ingredients. The objective is to create an unforgettable experience for the eye, the nose, and the palate.

Having conquered much of the Norwegian market, Sjokoladefryd is now sold in more than 500 locations around the country, from village shops to high-end restaurants. Prime minister Erna Solberg has even gifted the chocolates to foreign heads of state. Given their huge success and massive growth,

the team is now looking to expand the business internationally - Sweden and the UK are two good candidates. In addition, they wish to take advantage of their existing new facilities in Selbu by offering chocolate workshops to companies and groups of guests.

Iris and Eivind are quick to credit the success of Jentene på Tunet to the hard work and dedication of their team.They are humbled by the amount of praise and publicity they have received, and also grateful that more and more people are opening their eyes to high quality chocolate, especially Sjokoladefryd.

Despite their widespread success and bright future, Iris and Eivind remain most proud of their small farm shop in Selbu where guests can sample and buy their products, and even get a tour of the factory if they’re lucky.

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Stokkøya Sjøsenter On an island in Åfjord, along the coast of Trøndelag, you’ll find Stokkøya Strandhotell.

Here, husband and wife Torild Langklopp and Roar Svenning, Torilds sister Ingrid Langklopp, and the rest of the team, welcome visitors from both near and far to their unique travel concept.

Stokkøya Strandhotell is a leisure and activity resort offering a peaceful or fastpaced holiday with a range of fun local experiences.

Alongside the varied sleeping arrangements offered (SUB cabins, hostel, cottages and glamping), the Image / Pasi Aalto Words / Maria Vole

centre also offers a range of activities, hyper-local food experiences, cultural events and much more.

Torild and Roar have a huge interest in design and architecture, and were meticulous when it came to the planning of their new venture back in 2003.

“Our plans were carefully thought out to preserve the nature here and build exciting architecture, and we also knew food would be a big focus. We wanted to deliver great experiences on several levels to our visitors,” Torild says.

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A key point of interest for the couple was the architecture and design of the centre.

“We wanted to create an architecture that fit this place and wasn’t too intrusive for the nature around us, but that also made us stand out so that we wouldn’t be just another building along the coast. We invested a lot of time and money in creating a well-thought-out space for the entire area, and the architecture was carefully adapted to the terrain - we used as little dynamite as possible to preserve the area,” Torild says. It’s a wellrounded travel concept. The beautiful nature surrounding Stokkøya is stunning, and there are plenty of incredible experiences available. For 120

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those interested in active holidays and taking in the beautiful views of Trøndelag, it’s ideal. “There’s so much to do around here. You can do stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, great walks and hikes, rent electric bikes and much more,” Torild says.

The team behind Stokkøya are working on some exciting projects for the future, with a New Orleansinspired jazz concert lined up for the summer among several other exciting cultural events related to music, film and literature and more. The events take place in Strandbaren as well as Bygdeboksen, a dedicated multipurpose space.

Images / Jarle Hvidsten

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“Sustainability is important to us because we know how fragile the world around us is – it’s easy to destroy and difficult to repair. ” Image / Pasi Aalto

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STOKKOY.NO

INSTAGRAM @STOKKOYASTRANDHOTELL

Stokkøya also proudly offers varied food experiences. The team have a great passion for food and taste. “We make all our food from scratch. We have a fantastic situation in terms of sourcing food and ingredients locally, so we want to take advantage of that. We also run a farm, and produce around a ton of lamb meat per year which is used in our restaurant.

The sea gives us incredible ingredients, which we largely harvest ourselves.”

of the business. “We try to do as much as we can in terms of sustainability,” Torild says. “We’re focused on emissions accounting, and keep track of every aspect of our environmental impact with the goal of reducing our emissions as much as possible.” The team has always been focused on reusing and recycling materials and resources, both in terms of interiors and architecture and when it comes to food.

“Sustainability is important The hotel also has their to us because we know how own vegetable and herb fragile the world around us garden, and everything they is – it’s easy to destroy and grow is used in the food difficult to repair. Here, we served in the restaurant. live and interact closely The restaurant sees around with nature, and we see all 100-300 visitors every day the rubbish that comes in during the summer season. from the sea,” Torild says.

Since the start, Stokkøya has been focused on environmentally friendly practices in every aspect Image / Jarle Hvidsten

Though 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, Stokkøya has coped well with the changes.

“When the pandemic hit, I was happy that I’d been running this place for 15 years, so I had a fair amount of experience with fighting fires, adapting to changes and thinking innovatively.

We quickly got organised, and adapted well to the new situation, - and had a bit of luck” Torild says.

In 2020, a lot of Norwegians took a good old fashioned “Norgesferie” (holiday in Norway) instead of holidaying abroad.

“We had a lot of people who came here last year tell us that they’d been wanting to come here for so many years. Since their normal holidays abroad wouldn’t go ahead, they were able to finally experience Stokkøya.

We’re hoping this year will be just as great as last in terms of our visitors,” Torild says.

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COFFEE

Pala Kaffebrenneri Pala Kaffebrenneri is a small specialty coffee roastery based in Trondheim. With a real passion for quality coffee, the team are committed to creating the best coffee experiences for their customers.

Images / Hallvar Hauge Johnsen Words / Maria Vole

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or Idar Ellingsen, starting his own coffee roastery was the natural next step after working as a barista, coffee roaster and coffee consultant for many years.

Idar has won several awards for his work, both within Norway and internationally – in fact, he has achieved two Norwegian championship titles. Pala Kaffebrenneri was established in the fall of 2017 in Nardo, Trondheim.

“We wanted to go backwards in the value chain and influence the product earlier and to a greater extent than at the very last stage. We know how much work goes into good coffee,” Idar says. “Refining such a fantastic raw material, where the foundation is laid by hardworking and knowledgeable people in other parts of the world, makes us feel happy and humbled. We want to contribute to better living conditions for coffee farmers by giving them fair pay for the work they do – and we want to share with other people how varied coffee can be.”

The Pala team sources their coffee beans from all across the globe. “We receive beans from different parts of the world, but our favourite origins are South/Central America and Africa. We work with importers who are transparent and who are focused on quality and traceability,” Idar says. “Whether it’s coffee from a farm we have worked with before or a coffee that is brand new to us, the first step is to taste samples of the coffee.

When the coffee comes to our roastery, it’s roasted based on our prior experience with similar types of coffee.

After the first test roast, the coffee is tasted and evaluated according to various criteria such as sweetness, acid and mouthfeel. Based on the assessments, we decide what to do next with the coffee and how we can adjust the way we roast it to further emphasise the quality and flavours.

It’s important for us to bring out the natural properties of the raw material without the roasting process affecting the taste too much.”

The quality of their coffee and exciting flavour profiles are key to the work Idar and his team do. “Coffee is a very varied drink, and the many different types of coffee are experienced differently on the taste palette,” Idar says.

“For example, coffee can be light, sweet, fresh, elegant, round, fruity, bitter, full-bodied, intense, complex and more, with flavours reminiscent of different fruits, spices, flowers, berries, nuts, chocolate, etc.”

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The name of the business comes from Latin – the word “pala” means "shovel”. The name “refers to the important work, the actual cultivation of the coffee plant, which is done by the farmer on the coffee farm and which starts with the farmer sticking the shovel in the ground,” Idar explains. “Pala is also the origin of the word palette. We’ve placed the different taste experiences in a colour palette, which are the different labels. Each colour represents a taste experience.”

“The people behind Pala have worked with specialty coffee and been part of the coffee community in Trondheim for two decades – we know the city and the coffee drinkers here well,” Idar says. “We’ve built up a great network of people who are interested in quality food and drinks. Pala works with several local companies and delivers to everything from private homes and offices to highly renowned and award-winning restaurants and hotels. What all these places have in common is that they have a conscious relationship with the coffee they drink and serve. We use our experience and expertise every day to help our customers with training or adjustments to improve quality. We offer not just coffee beans, but also our knowledge and experience.”

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Trondheim Sjokolade Trondheim Sjokolade is a specialty chocolatier producing handcrafted chocolate products. The company also puts on chocolate-themed parties and team-building events for businesses. Alma Sundøy is the award-winning chocolatier behind the brand.

Originally from Singapore, Alma grew up in Norway.

She lived in Stockholm for 15 years, where she ran a company focused on chocolate experiences. She moved back to Norway in 2019, and started Trondheim Sjokolade. The company produces various chocolate products that are sold all over Norway. “We are perhaps best known for our tasty and colourful confectionery, but we also have chocolate bars, chocolate clusters, mocha beans, even chocolate figurines,” Alma says.

Alma has an extraordinary passion for chocolate. She comes from a family of cooks and pastry chefs and was always interested in food and taste, but it wasn’t until she got a little older that she discovered her true passion: craft chocolate.

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fter travelling and being able to visit excellent chocolate shops around the world, such as in Belgium and France, I began to understand that chocolate isn’t just something tasty. Chocolate has a long history and can have different complex shades and tastes to it, just like wine,” she says. “As a new chocolate maker, I was initially more focused on pure chocolate bars made bean-to-bar – I found it so exciting to learn about the different cocoa beans and how few ingredients in the chocolate can result in a variety of flavours and flavour nuances.”

Alma’s passion for chocolate only grew as time went on.

She went on many trips to cocoa plantations in Ghana in Africa, which is the world's second largest producer of cocoa beans.

“When I started learning about chocolate, I discovered that chocolate can be so much – not just a brown square, but even colorful and clean works of art. I think that was what started my passion for producing chocolate that’s not only tasty, but that also looks beautiful and exclusive,” she says.

Alma has had an illustrious career as a chocolatier, and was mentored by some of the world’s best pastry chefs.

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“I’ve had the honor of working with several amazing chocolate makers, chocolatiers and confectioners. I have also been involved in training some of Sweden's best confectioners in making confectionery in preparation for the Swedish Championship,” she says. “Also, I’ve been an ambassador for the Italian brand Amedei Chocolate, which is considered to be one of the best chocolate brands. In the International Chocolate Awards, I won a gold medal with Amedei chocolate that was infused with matcha tea flavor.”

In fact, Alma has won several awards for her unique and delicious chocolate creations. Among other things, she’s participated in the Swedish Championship, the International Chocolate Awards and the Academy of Chocolate awards. “I have competed with both confectionery and chocolate bars. For me, it's challenging but a great way to get feedback on my chocolate from international chocolate experts. I feel very lucky that people like my chocolate and that it’s gaining more and more recognition,” Alma says.

Alma is grateful to have worked with so many talented people in the chocolate field. “I’ve been inspired by 138

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and have learned a lot, and by working with so many different people, I’ve been able to develop my knowledge of flavour compositions and flavor combinations in chocolate – which is probably what I'm best known for now,” she says. “Our chocolate is often inspired by desserts and pastries, and we believe both appearance and taste should provide an association with what it is inspired by. We often present famous desserts and flavours in a new and exciting format.”

In terms of the future, Alma and the team behind Trondheim Sjokolade have big plans. “The main thing that’s always been important to me is to champion chocolate as a handcrafted item. I want more people to have the opportunity to enjoy our chocolate not just as a little treat, but also to get a holistic experience of the chocolate – the thought process and work behind it,” she says. “I want to continue to develop the business with new and exciting products and we hope that our chocolate will reach the entire country. We would also like to put Norway on the map as having some of the world's best chocolatiers despite being one of the places furthest away from where cocoa is grown. We aim to sell our chocolate internationally.”

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Gravraak Teateliér HANDMADE TEA

Gravraak Teateliér delivers handmade tea created in Trøndelag by a Master Tea Blender who may be the only tea expert of her kind in Norway. The small business is run by Hanne Charlotte Heggberget, and her goal is to provide great quality tea to Norwegian tea lovers.

“The business started on my husband's farm, which has been in his family for nine generations, since 1787. Right after we took over the farm, my husband went blind. We wanted to find a sensory experience in the growing season and started growing herbs,” Hanne Charlotte says.

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n 2018, Gravraak Teateliér started selling their own tea at farmer’s markets and similar local events. Soon, restaurants and cafés began contacting them requesting to buy tea to sell in their establishments. Gravraak Teateliér currently has a pop-up store located in the heart of Trondheim, and are soon opening a permanent shop where they’ll also be producing tea.

Hanne Charlotte didn’t grow up in Norway – she was raised in South Africa and Hong Kong, where tea is hugely important. There’s a growing culture of tea drinking in Scandinavia, and Gravraak Teateliér is one of the few Norwegian businesses dedicated to the art of tea blending.

Hanne Charlotte undertook a dedicated tea blending course, and was given the title Master Tea Blender by the International Tea Masters Association. ITMA has been given The Gold Standards when it comes to tea education. As far as she’s aware, Hanne Charlotte is the only person in Norway with this title and education.

When it comes to her small business, sustainability and social responsibility is hugely important.

“Tea is traded at a large auction centre in Mombasa, Kenya, and it’s the only one of its kind in the world. It is, however, difficult to ensure quality and check the conditions of the workers when you’re buying from this huge market,” Hanne Charlotte says.

“Since we’re farmers, we’ve traveled the world to obtain the teas that we believe meet our requirements. We wanted to source our tea directly from the producers to ensure quality in the tea we import, and to be sure that those who make our tea have good working conditions. We wanted to talk to those who make the product, and build good relationships with them.”

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Gravraak Teateliér uses the 17 sustainability requirements set forth by the UN as their guidepost for their business and the tea farmers they work with.

“Those we buy tea from must document that they meet the 17 goals with regards to the working conditions of the workers. Fighting poverty is very important in the tea industry,” Hanne Charlotte says. “Including people with special needs is also very important to us. My husband is blind, and the employees that package our products are differently abled.”

Sustainability is a key consideration in every aspect of the business. The packaging itself is also environmentally friendly, and the pyramid teabags are made entirely of plant material.

Creating tea blends that are of the best quality is a top priority for Gravraak Teateliér, and Hanne Charlotte is focused on creating unique tastes using all-natural ingredients. One of their speciality teas made it to the semi-finals in the Best Drink of the Year 2020 category in Det Norske Måltid – a competition focused on celebrating the best Norwegian food and drinks.

Gravraak Teateliér also supplies tea to fine dining restaurants in the Trondheim area and are currently expanding to other fine places in Norway.

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“In addition to the sustainability requirements we have, we’re also concerned with sensuality.

We emphasise using all our senses - smell, taste, visuals for sighted people, and what you can feel in your body when you drink the tea.”

While the small business imports the tea from a hand-picked group of tea farmers, they also grow herbs and flowers on their own farm.

This combination creates unique tea blends.

“90% of all teas are blended. Tea is a bit like wine - you put together different types of herbs from different regions to get the taste you want. The process on the farm is to grow plants, harvest them just when we know there is as much flavor as possible, before we dry them. Then we can use them to flavour or decorate the tea,” Hanne Charlotte says.

For Hanne Charlotte, creating specialty tea blends is a creative process, and she finds a lot of inspiration in her local community.

“The creative process of making something like tea is very special to me. I’ve become a tea chef and considering that Trondheim is the home of Nordic flavours, it’s great to be included in an environment that is so focused on taste and the development of taste. The most important thing for me is to build relationships with other people, and to create an experience you can only get when you combine taste, smell, and the knowledge of how the product is made,” she says.

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Granskauen Destillery For Maren Grøtte and Dustin Zimmerman, nordic flavours and locally sourced ingredients are the secret to creating great spirits. For this husband-and-wife team, Granskauen Destillery is a true passion project.

Though they now live on a small island in Trøndelag, the duo behind Granskauen Destilleriy first met in Stavanger.

Maren was working in the nightlife industry, while Dustin had a background in beer brewing. They wanted to move away from Stavanger and create something of their own, when the idea of starting a distillery was born.

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omeone recommended Stokkøya to us, and we came to visit four years ago and fell head over heels for this place,” Maren says. “It’s beautiful – the nature is one thing, but there’s something about the people and the community up here that we really love. Within six months, we’d quit our jobs, rented a house up here and got our new journey started!”

Ever since then, the couple have been hard at work creating a small and unique line of spirits.They describe Granskauen Destillery as “a picture of our local landscape, distilled into a beverage – using local ingredients to create the flavours of our area”. They launched their first gin two years ago, and building an exciting flavour profile is a huge part of the process.

have jobs in addition to running the distillery, and we’re not making a living from this yet. It takes time to build a brand,” Maren says. For the husband-and-wife team, the days are busy. Juggling their day jobs and the distillery would be challenging enough, but the pair also welcomed a baby four months ago. Despite their busy days, Granskauen Destillery launched an exciting new project in November, 2020.

“When quarantine started last year, Maren suggested that we come up with a great aquavit recipe. We decided to use the free time we had at home to develop something fun, and we’re really happy with it,” Dustin says. “The aquavit is nice and smooth, again produced with a lot of local ingredients. I’m not Norwegian, but I really enjoy aquavit and it was really fun to “When it comes to gin, the most play around with this and create important ingredient is obviously a slightly different take on this juniper berries. Beyond that, classic drink.“ common ingredients are things like lemon peels, orange peels, The distillery is located on the coriander. We wanted to find some island of Stokkøya, along the coast exciting local flavours to use in of Trøndelag. Maren and Dustin our gin, and we found that spruce love their new home and the is one of the great alternatives we community around them. “We’ve could use. When you pick young had so much support from the spruce shoots, they have a lemon local community, and wouldn’t and pine flavour to them – and we have survived without it! This thought, why use imported lemons goes both ways, and it’s important for our product if we could pick for us to support the other small spruce from just outside the door,” businesses here. Local partnerships Dustin says. are so important, and it’s exciting to collaborate with others in the The distillery is a passion project industry and to get a different for Dustin and Maren. “We both perspective on taste,” Maren says.

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“Granskauen Destillery is a picture of our local landscape, distilled into a beverage – using local ingredients to create the flavours of our area”.

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GRANSKAUEN.NO INSTAGRAM @GRANSKAUEN_DESTILLERI

“It’s a constant give and take in this industry with trying to do new things, but also bringing people along for the journey,” Dustin says.

Granskauen Destillery is a growing brand dedicated to giving everyone a taste of the North. Two of Trondheim’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Speilsalen and FAGN, stock Granskauen products as a permanent fixture on their menus.

For a family-run distillery just starting out, they’re happy to have had such a warm welcome from the local community. But their journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what Granskauen Destillery does next!

Right Image / Owners Maren Grøtte and Dustin Zimmerman

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Britannia Hotel Britannia Hotel is one Norway’s most unique and impressive hotels. The hotel has an interesting 150-year history, and has served as a meeting point for locals since it was established back in 1870.

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ritannia Hotel is well-known in Norway and beyond for its 5-star luxury and its well-developed concept.

Peter André Gjerde is Britannia Hotel’s Director of Marketing & Communication, and he has a wealth of knowledge regarding the hotel’s illustrious history.

“We celebrated 150 years last year, so it’s a hotel with a great, rich history – a lot has happened here since 1870, and the hotel has always been a bit of a meeting point in Trondheim,“ Peter André says.

The historic hotel was first established in 1870 to cater for British aristocrats visiting the Trondheim area for its salmon fishing opportunities. Since then, it’s played host

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to a range of interesting people, including international music superstars Beyonce and Jay-Z, the famous explorer Fridtjof Nansen and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain. “A lot of great people have visited Britannia over the years. We’re very proud of the history of the hotel, and Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1969 stands out as a big moment for us,” Peter André says.

With 233 beautifully decorated rooms and suites available, Britannia Hotel will have you experiencing Trondheim in comfort and style. The rooms are all equipped with beds from Hästens as well as double vanity bathrooms from Carrera decked out in marble, and a Nespresso machine.

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The luxurious hotel provides a true 5-star experience. “It’s really important to us to provide great service. We want to anticipate our guests’ needs before they even realise what they want and need,” Peter André says.

Britannia Hotel is a great option if you’re looking to relax, as access to their dedicated spa is included in the room rate. Here, you can enjoy some time in a heated lap pool, mineral pool, ice bath, Nordic saunas, gym, steam room, an infrared cabin – or pick a treatment from their varied menu.

One of the hotel’s most attractive features is its incredible interior design and décor, as well as its iconic architecture. The hotel was temporarily closed for a full 3-year renovation before reopening in 2019.

“During the renovation, our focus was on making this amazing hotel with its rich history relevant for the current day,” he says.

“We travelled around the world to seek inspiration for the new Britannia – we went to London, Paris, New York, Tokyo… we wanted to learn from the best and take something new and exciting back to Trondheim.”

Located in the heart of Trondheim, within walking distance of some of the city’s most well-known attractions, the hotel offers the perfect base for exploring the region. “We want to put Trondheim on the world map through the hotel. Our goal is to get more people to visit our great city, and we want to uplift the great local experiences and sights Trondheim has to offer,” Peter Andrè says. “This is something we’ve worked hard on, and we’ve had great success with it – among other things, we’ve had articles in several large international publications, such as New York Times, Forbes, CNN and Financial Times.”

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Culinary experiences are a big focus at Britannia Hotel, which is home to the Michelinstarred restaurant Speilsalen

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Culinary experiences are a big focus at Britannia Hotel, and there are six food and drink concepts at the hotel. You’ll find four restaurants at the location, where guests can have a Michelin-starred fine dining experience at the well-known Speilsalen or enjoy a more casual meal. “Our philosophy is that you should be able to visit the hotel no matter what the occasion is. We’re proud to offer a wide range of experiences relating to food and drinks,” Peter André says.

Alongside the food offerings, there’s also Vinbaren, a cosy and intimate wine bar offering one of Norway’s biggest selections of wines, and Britannia Bar, which recently won the BCA award for having Norway’s best cocktail menu.

The elegant Palmehaven dining room, which opened in 1918, is a true institution in Trondheim. Here, you can enjoy great culinary experiences, and the Britannia team also put on a range of cultural events in Palmehaven and in the hotel in general.

“Art is important to us, and we have an established Britannia artist every year who exhibits their work in the hotel,” he says.

“We also have a musical artist in residence, a great concept where guests can enjoy a 3-course dinner in Palmehaven while listening to some of Norway’s best artists perform. It’s an intimate and unique concert experience, and we have some great artists lined up for this spring and summer.“ 172

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TRADITIONAL DISHES WITH MODERN TWISTS A Michelin star restaurant owned by chef Jonas Nåvik, Fagn’s great success has helped put Trondheim on the map as an interesting culinary destination. The team at Fagn prides themselves on delivering unique twists to traditional dishes, as well as creating an experience that customers will remember for a long time.

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agn restaurant opened its doors in the summer of 2017, and a short 18 months later, it was awarded its first Michelin star. After defending its star in 2020, Jonas Nåvik handed over the reins of the kitchen to Aleksander Aurstad Olsen, who brought his own experience and another dimension to the team. Together with the new restaurant manager Ida von Stoltz and his sous chef Erlend Sitter, Aleksander has already made his mark on the menu. That said, Jonas Nåvik remains the majority owner and is still heavily involved in the development of the restaurant.

Before becoming the head chef at Fagn, Aleksander worked at To Rom og Kjøkken in Trondheim, Hoja Santa with Albert and Ferran Adria in Barcelona, À L’aise in Oslo, and The Fat Duck just outside London.

He shared with Localfolk that the two years he spent working with British chef Heston Blumenthal was the highlight of his career. “It was an incredible experience, and I am especially proud that I managed to get one of my dishes onto the menu at The Fat Duck.” While topping that experience is difficult, he says that retaining the Michelin star in 2021 would do it.

The secret to Fagn’s success lies in its philosophy of combining traditional recipes and local ingredients, with modern techniques and sustainable gastronomy.

“We have some of the best produce in Norway here in Trøndelag, and the area is often referred to as the home of Nordic flavours,” Aleksander explains.

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Fagn is an Old Norse word which means "to embrase, and to embrase with joy".

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When they do have to import ingredients, such as cocoa beans, they only use suppliers that they’ve built relationships with, to ensure their practices are both ethical and sustainable.

“We have very close relationships with our suppliers. For instance, our farmer Nina delivers most of our vegetables.

However, we also pick a lot of our own vegetables and we are very careful to select the produce with the most intense flavour,” Aleksander says. The team at Fagn also works closely with a gatherer, who supplies them with various herbs, mushrooms, and other ingredients. Their milk and dairy products come from Rørosmeieriet, an organic dairy producer committed to good farming practices that’s located just a two-hour drive from Trondheim.

In terms of the overall experience at Fagn, the team not only strives to deliver high-quality dishes, but also to create an inviting atmosphere. In fact, Fagn is an Old Norse word which means "to embrase, and to embrase with joy". That refers to the custom of welcoming travellers with food and lodging at rural farmhouses in the olden days. With an open-plan kitchen and chefs who interact directly with the guests, dining at Fagn is far from a formal affair. “A visit to Fagn should be an experience you remember long after you have returned home.”

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Holstad Gård

Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future

Situated in Namdalseid in Trøndelag, Holstad Gård is a small-scale meat and wool producer run by the Sæther family. Their goal is to preserve the history of the farm, while utilising local resources to create something special for the community.

Holstad Gård is home to the Sæther family, which is made up of Carl Andrew, Silje, and their three children.

The couple met while studying in Trondheim, him to become a medical doctor and her to become a teacher.

After completing their studies, they moved to northern Norway for a few years before deciding to take over Carl Andrew’s childhood home in 2012 - Holstad Gård.

They were in search of a quieter place and a better quality of life, Silje says, even if that meant earning less money than they would in the city.

The original farm was located on a small hill some distance away, where the old timber buildings provided shelter for generations of farmers from the early 1800s.

Images / Holstad Gård Words / Kai Isaksen & Julia Elizabeth Yager

When a new road was built at the start of the 20th century, the farm was moved to its current location and additional buildings were built according to the architectural style of the time - ‘Sveitserstil’, or Swiss chalet style. Today, the Sæthers wish to create a unique place with specialty products, where both locals and visitors want to stop.

In an effort to introduce more animals to the farm, the family bought 10 sheep in 2015, adding to the one horse and several cats that were already there when they arrived. The goal at the time was to run the farm, but still have enough time to work their day jobs. They therefore chose the ‘Old Norse Spælsau’, because they’re more robust and self-reliant than other sheep breeds, and also produce high-quality wool. The sheep count has grown quickly over the years, and the Sæthers have already received 75 new lambs this year, with a few more on the way.

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In 2018, Silje made the decision to leave her teaching job and focus on the farm full-time, while Carl Andrew continued to work as a doctor. They opened a web shop and entered into a network of local farmers known as ‘REKO-ringen’, which led to many requests from people wanting to buy their products. In 2020, they built a modern yet old-fashioned farm shop, using historical elements and materials from the farm. Here they sell meat, wool products, and produce from a few other local producers.

The Sæthers recently started growing flax for linen as well, and are looking to produce vegetables in the near future. Given their passion for second-hand goods, they also collect and sell vintage clothing, each piece equipped with a note that details its history and previous owner. The farm shop runs on an honour system, where customers browse freely and are trusted to pay for their chosen goods. Silje says that people are for the most part honest, and the amount of loss is minimal.

The philosophy at Holstad Gård is to utilise the entire animal for meat, skin, and wool products. In line with this belief, the Sæthers have developed a range of cured sausages and meat products, which also incorporate local ingredients such as chanterelle mushrooms and fresh spruce shoots. Two of the sausages are called ‘framsnakk’ and ‘baksnakk’, Norwegian words that mean ‘to speak positively and negatively about something’.

“It is not always easy to go your own way in small communities, but we hope local people see that we are trying to create something that might benefit the entire region.”

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Jacobsen & Svart For Tony Jacobsen and Hans Erik Kleive, coffee isn’t just coffee – it’s a handcrafted experience rich in flavour. The duo both have long and interesting careers within the field of coffee, and their next venture is due to open soon – a coffee bar in Trondheim city centre.

Jacobsen and Svart originally had its start in 2012, at a time when there were just 13 coffee roasteries in Norway. Since then, the industry has seen a real boom, and there are now more than 80 coffee roasteries across the country. The business started as a one-man project for Tony Jacobsen. “In the workspace of the roastery, there was an air conditioning system that I started using to experiment with humidity – drying the air to create better roast profiles.

That was the start of a sort of “coffee hacking” that we haven’t left behind yet,” Tony says.

COFFEE ROASTERY Images / Jarle Hvidsten Words / Maria Vole

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JACOBSENSVART.NO INSTAGRAM @JACOBSENSVART

In 2014, Jacobsen and Svart moved their coffee roastery and ended up next to a chocolate factory. The small team saw increased demand in their new location, and Tony had the idea to establish a “slightly nerdy” coffee shop.

The dream became a reality in 2015, when they started a coffee bar in Trondheim. The coffee shop was connected to a radio station, and they roasted their coffee in the back room. In 2019, they had big plans for expanding the business – but there were challenges ahead. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Jacobsen and Svart ended up closing its doors and filing for bankruptcy.

It’s a ritual reminiscent of a kind of ceremony,” Tony says.

“Coffee is a complex agricultural product with many chemical properties. The difference between coffee and for example wine, is that our process is much faster after we get the coffee from the farmer. It gives us a sense of meaning to find all the exciting flavours coffee can have.

For us, hunting for coffee that tastes of florals, berries and fruit is a given, and the rest of the work is about trying to create a roasting profile where all this comes out in the brewed coffee in people’s homes. It’s a mix of science, craft and philosophy that is really inspiring.”

But in autumn 2020, a new partnership brought new energy to the project. Hans Erik Kleive, who has a strong background in running coffee bars and distilleries internationally, inspired Tony to give it another shot.

The rest is history – their new coffee distillery located in Fjordgata in Trondheim was a great success, and the dynamic duo are now hard at work on their new project – a coffee bar in Brattørgata, in the heart of Trondheim city centre. “When the coffee bar opens, our chef has created a menu that is developed together with the coffee. Food that emphasises the fruitiness of our coffee is key,” Tony says. “We want to be a place with a fun atmosphere, and we’re no coffee snobs – even though so much work goes into our coffee, the only thing our guests should feel is that it’s good coffee.”

The team work closely with the farmers and importers they source their coffee from. “Today, we get our coffee from importers – it’s a kind of network of coffee farmers where you get a much fairer price for quality coffee, which makes it more profitable to run a business with "specialty coffee". At Jacobsen and Svart, we’ve always called it “coffee”, period. For us, it’s a given that the coffee should have optimal quality, so we choose the coffee very carefully and have great confidence in our importers.”

They’re driven by a true passion for their craft – but what is it about coffee that’s so special for them? “There’s something about the mornings. Seeing the steam from the coffee, cranking the grinder, setting the weight.

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The dedicated coffee lovers have plenty of plans for the future. “Right now, we’re focused on getting wind in our sails and pointing out the course for where the ship will go next,” Tony says. “We look forward to opening the coffee bar and showcasing the wonderful people we’ll be hiring, and we look forward to working with partners, guests, suppliers, coffee shops, hotels, restaurants and offices and everything that naturally falls within the Jacobsen sphere. People can expect us to be fun and a little bright spot in their everyday lives.”

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VOL III

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER JARLE HVIDSTEN A Norwegian lifestyle, fashion, and people photographer based in Trondheim, Jarle tells many stories through his work. He strives to not only capture life as it is, but to create an alternative universe in which he can communicate human emotions.

Images / Jarle Hvidsten Words / Julia Elizabeth Yager

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arle grew up outside of Lillehammer and now resides in Trondheim, but he travels as much as he can. He describes himself as a passionate and classic man, with a love for new and corky twists.

As such, Jarle is intrigued by those who dare to be different, and doesn’t mind going against the grain of society. He aspires to work on projects with these characteristics in the future, and has several ideas in his Moleskine notebook, just waiting to be realised.

“I feel like much of my life has been outside my comfort zone. I like it there. I have this drive. I can’t help myself. I just have to get moving.”

In the mid 90s, Jarle began his photography career as an assistant to the photographer at the Norwegian Maritime Museum. He has a wide creative education from Coventry Polytechnic, Central St. Martins in London, and Westerdals School of Communication, and has worked as an art director for many years. When he finally made the leap to photography seven or eight years ago, Jarle was very technically focused to start. Once he had mastered the different lighting setups and light shapers, he began his ongoing quest to find his genre.

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“The camera is just a tool. It’s so strange that people speak about photographers like we’re working with the same thing. It’s like everybody that’s working with a knife is doing the same thing.”

Since the market in Norway is relatively small, Jarle explains that commercial photographers need to master different styles and genres of photography to make a fair living. He signed with See Management in New York four years ago, which has opened up the opportunity for Jarle to focus and specialise more on different types of genres and his own voice. Though he doesn’t feel that he’s found his space within the industry just yet, he believes he’s on the right track.

“I’m getting closer, but then again, maybe I’ll never get there.”

Jarle started shooting analogue again 3 years ago, but still shoots digital on assignments. His cameras and lenses of choice are the Leica M7 with different Summilux lenses, the Pentax 67ii with the 2.4/105mm lens, two Leica SL2 cameras with the Summilux 1.4/50mm lens, and the Leica S3 medium format system with the 2.0/100mm lens.

Jarle develops most of his film himself, but he’ll get his work professionally developed if there’s a lot of Portra film or no room to muck up the job. Editing wise, he uses Capture One and Photoshop.

When it comes to finding inspiration, Jarle admires other artists who have dared to be different and who have found their own voice. In addition, he says that his partner in crime Tanja is very inspirational. His advice to aspiring photographers is to free yourself from your perception of good imagery and don’t fall into the trap of believing that you need to spend a fortune on equipment. “Becoming a communicator is a process,” he adds.

The most interesting and emotional project that Jarle has ever worked on would have to be capturing Prima Ballerina at the Norwegian Ballet Company.

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“You will absolutely succeed if you have a passion for what you do, I know this because I have!”

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JARLEHVIDSTEN.COM INSTAGRAM @JARLE.HVIDSTEN.STUDIO

It was a project with designer Frank Remme and dancer Camilla Spidsøe, shot in the construction site of the new National Gallery. As for his most beautiful or inspiring image, Jarle told Localfolk that the images in which he’s managed to capture strong emotions are the ones he’s most pleased with.

When asked to share how he found his distinct photography style, Jarle talks about his quest to free himself from styles and perceptions of so-called superb photography. He spent many years trying to master different styles as an art director, but he got so bored with it and in the end, he felt it was a waste of time. Now he’s on a personal search to locate his fears and strengths, and to capture and communicate both emotions and curiosity.

“Photography is about capturing life, but in my world, it is also about creating an alternative universe, and communicating feelings and emotions.”

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A Norwegian creator from Levanger, Christian has lived in Trøndelag all his life. He currently works as a process technician for Norske Skog Skogn, and does photography and videography on the side.

Images / Christian Trustrup Words / Julia Elizabeth Yager

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER CHRISTIAN TRUSTRUP

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hristian’s interest in photography started with a trip to Lofoten in 2016. He brought a GoPro which changed everything, and the rest is history, he recalls. From the beginning, some of his favorite scenes to photograph are mountainous and moody landscapes and deep fjords. Living in Norway is the perfect backdrop for his photography, but one of his dreams is to visit the pristine landscapes of Greenland.

Of the many exciting and interesting projects that Christian has had the opportunity to work on over the years, one of his most memorable collaborations was with Hattvika Lodge, widforss.no, and Lundhags in Lofoten. “Shooting content in Lofoten is something else - what a place!”

In terms of photo gear, Christian uses the Nikon Z6 with the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. He feels that this lens gives him the range that he needs, and he likes that it’s lightweight. In addition, Christian has a 70-200mm lens which he tends to use for animals.

As for editing, he edits all his photos with his own presets in Lightroom.

When asked to share his favorite place to photograph in Trondheim, Christian said that the wooden wharfs along Nidelven are very photogenic, and Nidarosdomen is a worthy place to witness as well.

He loves that Trondheim is so full of history, and his absolute favourite season to capture the city is during all the colours of autumn.

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“Wander more, explore more. Go out and shoot as often as possible.

Try different angles, go low, frame the scene!”

INSTAGRAM @CHRISTIANTRUSTRUP A time when Christian felt that he was most out of his comfort zone was when he was doing the Via Ferrata in Loen. He shared with Localfolk that he is very afraid of heights, but being able to conquer that fear made him tougher. “I somehow learned to work with my mind to manage it.”

The individual who has inspired Christian the most as a photographer is one of his best friends, Paul Watson.

They met on Instagram and have been on several trips together, specifically to Lofoten and Iceland on numerous occasions.

Christian’s advice to aspiring photographers is to never give up on your dreams. “Wander more, explore more. Go out and shoot as often as possible. Try different angles, go low, frame the scene!”

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Born and raised in Inderøy, Sigurd loves hunting for the perfect photo and capturing beautiful moments.

He currently works as a sales manager and marketing consultant for Trønder-Avisa, and also does freelance photography for some of their productions.

Images / Sigurd Løseth Words / Julia Elizabeth Yager

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aving lived in Inderøy all his life, Sigurd appreciates being close to the water and has never thought about moving. A typical workday for him at Trønder-Avisa involves giving clients good advice and helping them achieve their goals. Sigurd shared with Localfolk that he enjoys his job and is very happy with his team.

When Sigurd is not at work, he may be found flying his drone or capturing moments with his camera. He uses the DJI Mavic Air 2 and the Nikon Z6, and edits his photos in 216

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Adobe Lightroom, usually with his own presets. As for lenses, Sigurd shoots with anything from 14mm to 200mm for landscape photography, though the 35mm Sigma Art F1.4 is his favorite.

Sigurd’s interest in photography started with his good friend Christian Trustrup. “He helped me a lot with editing methods and ideas that made me want to do photography even more.”

Sigurd admires Christian’s style and loves all the trips that photography takes him on.

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“When your gear is stopping you from progress, it’s a perfect time to upgrade.”

Right now, he is dreaming of going to the Faroe Islands and looks forward to visiting more exotic places in the future.

Sigurd spoke of the size of the city, the charming neighborhoods, and the hospitable people. He likes to photograph all the shapes and colors of the While he is more wharfs and recommends comfortable behind the a visit to Munkholmen camera than in front of it, on a warm summer day. he recognises the value in His favorite season for pushing himself outside of photography is autumn, his comfort zone. “As with with all the beautiful colors everything else, practice and crisp, moody weather. makes you better.” As an ambassador for Tuftewear, Sigurd’s advice to aspiring Sigurd practices getting photographers would in front of the camera be to start with basic regularly. It gives him an equipment and work extra reason to get out your way up. “When your there, he says. gear is stopping you from progress, it’s a perfect time When asked to share what to upgrade.” he loves about Trondheim, Localfolk Magazine

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Top Image / Geiranger Left Image / Reine i Lofoten

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Buying used gear is often a good alternative, since it’s usually well taken care of and priced very fairly.

He adds that YouTube is a great resource for learning techniques.

One of Sigurd’s most memorable photos is a drone photo from Reine in Lofoten. He recalls driving for hours in stormy weather when the sky suddenly cleared and a massive rainbow formed. He felt so stressed to get the photo before the stormy weather returned. “Probably not my best photo, but everything around it made it special for me.”

INSTAGRAM @SIGURDLOSETH Localfolk Magazine

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