NLAF STORY
Why the name—North Light Art Furniture? In the Northern Hemisphere, light emanating from the north represents the purest form of light (there is no direct sunlight from a northerly direction, which means there are no shadows). North light is also the light by which diamond appraisers appraise diamonds, and by which sculptors sculpt. From the beginning of NLAF, it has been my hope that my work would represent the purest partnering of “artistic creation and light.” Thus, North Light Art Furniture.
Designer & Builder
Musician & Educator
My great joy in making a piece of furniture is just that – creating a piece of furniture: A thought, which develops into an idea, which then moves toward thinking and clarifying (designing in one’s mind) about function, shape, color, dimensions, wood species. Next begins the actual “paper and pencil” design work. While some of my work has been influenced by art history, nearly all of the represented works are original designs. Moreover, a central focus is to generate works of art, which serve to enhance the aesthetic richness and value of daily living. That is, my intention is that every piece is imbued with expressive and fulfilling content.
I began my tenure as Professor of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College in 1987. While there, I served as conductor of the Gustavus and Vasa Wind Orchestras, taught instrumental conducting and instrumental methods, and supervised student teachers. I was honored to tour with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra (Europe, Scandinavia, the United States), and completed numerous residencies with notable composers and musicians. Since completing my forty-year career in 2014, I have remained active as a guest conductor and clinician.
MY STORY
For forty years, my main profession/vocation/passion was that of music and musician. The art furniture thrust of my life began in my twenties, when as a young husband, I decided to build a few pieces of furniture for our home. Since then, I have engaged in a considerable amount of personal study regarding design, technique and process. Creating in wood is not unlike creating in other art forms. The woodworker and the musician in me are really not two sides of the same coin, but rather more like the fusion of a single entity. A special credit goes to my father, Robert, who’s gift to me was that he let me try. From a very early age, I had a hammer or saw in my hands, so doing became an inherent way of knowing.
NLAF
STORY
Why the name—North Light Art Furniture? In the Northern Hemisphere, light emanating from the north represents the purest form of light (there is no direct sunlight from a northerly direction, which means there are no shadows). North light is also the light by which diamond appraisers appraise diamonds, and by which sculptors sculpt. From the beginning of NLAF, it has been my hope that my work would represent the purest partnering of “artistic creation and light.” Thus, North Light Art Furniture.
MY STORY
For forty years, my main profession/vocation/passion was that of music and musician. The art furniture thrust of my life began in my twenties, when as a young husband, I decided to build a few pieces of furniture for our home. Since then, I have engaged in a considerable amount of personal study regarding design, technique and process. Creating in wood is not unlike creating in other art forms. The woodworker and the musician in me are really not two sides of the same coin, but rather more like the fusion of a single entity. A special credit goes to my father, Robert, who’s gift to me was that he let me try. From a very early age, I had a hammer or saw in my hands, so doing became an inherent way of knowing.
My great joy in making a piece of furniture is just that –creating a piece of furniture: A thought, which develops into an idea, which then moves toward thinking and clarifying (designing in one’s mind) about function, shape, color, dimensions, wood species. Next begins the actual “paper and pencil” design work. While some of my work has been influenced by art history, nearly all of the represented works are original designs. Moreover, a central focus is to generate works of art, which serve to enhance the aesthetic richness and value of daily living. That is, my intention is that every piece is imbued with expressive and fulfilling content.
Designer & Builder
I began my tenure as Professor of Music at Gustavus Adolphus College in 1987. While there, I served as conductor of the Gustavus and Vasa Wind Orchestras, taught instrumental conducting and instrumental methods, and supervised student teachers. I was honored to tour with the Gustavus Wind Orchestra (Europe, Scandinavia, the United States), and completed numerous residencies with notable composers and musicians. Since completing my forty-year career in 2014, I have remained active as a guest conductor and clinician.
Musician & Educator
I create Legacy Furniture
Pieces purchased from me are meant to be an important element of your life; a member of your family. They are likely to hold your most special photographs, seat your loved ones, adorn the walls of your home, and travel with you through the chapters and stories of your life.
My musical background influences my pieces
Clearly, music has influence upon my pieces. Like music, furniture design must be melodious, harmonious, and be thoughtful regarding texture, color, unity, and invitation. When elements are blended well, there is a magic that occurs: art seems to clarify how life feels, bringing a sense of fulfillment and completeness.
The NLAF EXPERIENCE
I promise to give my best effort to your project, so that you feel seen, heard, and listened to, from beginning to end. Our artist/patron relationship and collaborative spirit are central toward bringing emotional values to the process, which leads to sense of place and meaning.
I create Legacy Furniture
Pieces purchased from me are meant to be an important element of your life; a member of your family. They are likely to hold your most special photographs, seat your loved ones, adorn the walls of your home, and travel with you through the chapters and stories of your life.
My musical background influences my pieces
Clearly, music has influence upon my pieces. Like music, furniture design must be melodious, harmonious, and be thoughtful regarding texture, color, unity, and invitation. When elements are blended well, there is a magic that occurs: art seems to clarify how life feels, bringing a sense of fulfillment and completeness.
The NLAF EXPERIENCE
I promise to give my best effort to your project, so that you feel seen, heard, and listened to, from beginning to end. Our artist/patron relationship and collaborative spirit are central toward bringing emotional values to the process, which leads to sense of place and meaning.
Creativity
Great artists often ask, "I wonder what will happen if I do this?", or "How can I make this more invitational, more beautiful, more compelling, more meaningful?" Creativity involves a willingness to imagine, continuous change and evolution of ideas. Creativity is intentional; it must be practiced. Creativity makes the normal special and the ordinary extraordinary.
Education
While I love to learn, I thoroughly enjoy seeing the joy in others when they learn. That is why being a teacher is one of the most rewarding endeavors in all of life. I am thankful that to be a teacher of music and a teacher of woodworking.
Curiosity
Curiosity is central to learning, growing, and improving. Curiosity involves vulnerability, risk, hard work, time, and occasional failure. However, curiosity brings discovery, life-changing learning, overwhelming joy, and a sense of feeling complete. How I love being curious!
Creativity
Great artists often ask, "I wonder what will happen if I do this?", or "How can I make this more invitational, more beautiful, more compelling, more meaningful?" Creativity involves a willingness to imagine, continuous change and evolution of ideas. Creativity is intentional; it must be practiced. Creativity makes the normal special and the ordinary extraordinary.
Education
While I love to learn, I thoroughly enjoy seeing the joy in others when they learn. That is why being a teacher is one of the most rewarding endeavors in all of life. I am thankful that to be a teacher of music and a teacher of woodworking.
Curiosity
Curiosity is central to learning, growing, and improving. Curiosity involves vulnerability, risk, hard work, time, and occasional failure. However, curiosity brings discovery, life-changing learning, overwhelming joy, and a sense of feeling complete. How I love being curious!