Scan Magazine | Mini Theme | Norwegian Artisans
Learn traditional Norwegian crafts Raulandsakademiet offers over 60 courses in traditional Norwegian craftsmanship. If you are interested in learning a new craft technique, or simply want to freshen up on an old skill while meeting like-minded people, the popular course and activity centre in Rauland could be the place for you. By Ingrid Opstad | Photos: Raulandsakademiet
As Norway’s largest organiser of courses related to traditional Norwegian crafts, Raulandsakademiet has over 400 participants each year. “You can study everything from jewellery making, to upholstery, wood carving or sewing,” says course administrator Ann Mari Jore. With an extensive background in art, she is committed to helping others discover a similar passion for crafts. Whether it is learning about how to build traditional log houses or creating unique silver jewellery for the Norwegian national costume, the centre has people travelling from near and far to participate in its many courses. “Participants are often people interested in particular crafts, who lack a supportive community in their hometown. They therefore come to us to meet like-minded
artisans, and to learn more, discuss, work together, inspire each other and socialise,” Jore explains. She adds: “We are keen to have the best instructors and are therefore working hard to source experts from all over the coun-
try and from abroad for each field. It is important for us that people benefit from our courses and learn as much as possible.” Summer is the busiest time, with most courses lasting one week. During the rest of the year, the workshops are occupied by the local university, with a few courses arranged during autumn. For the full course calendar, please visit: www.visitrauland.com/ raulandsakademiet
Ann Mari Jore.
A Norwegian legacy for future generations In a studio and shop in Jølster, on the western side of Norway, Kari Astrup-Geelmuyden produces beautiful aprons to be worn with the bunad, the Norwegian national costume. She inherited the traditional expertise from her great-grandmother Engel Astrup, wife of the famous Norwegian painter Nikolai Astrup, who worked with textile prints. Once set to be forgotten, the traditional designs now live on for future generations to wear and enjoy.
and unique, she prefers to make one-of-akind items or small limited-edition series, ensuring the exclusivity of each product. Customers are encouraged to visit the shop, but Astrup-Geelmuyden also accepts requests and orders from customers with particular requirements.
By Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Kari Astrup-Geelmuyden Kunst og Håndverk
Having discovered her great-grandmother’s legacy, Astrup-Geelmuyden researched traditional techniques and developed new linocuts from scratch. She always uses the same materials as Engel Astrup. The creative artist pours hours of work into each apron, producing exact replicas of the original aprons and Engel designs with exquisite details, and the demand for the products is steadily growing. Among the many customers is Queen Sonja of Norway, who picked up a couple of the aprons during her visit to the shop.
Though the majority of AstrupGeelmuyden’s time is now devoted to textile print, she also produces beautiful glass art and ceramics. Each product handmade
Web: www.kajsa.no Facebook group: Kajsas glass og keramikk Contact: kajsakari@hotmail.com
Kari Astrup-Geelmuyden’s products are all handmade and unique.
Issue 115 | August 2018 | 37