MORE ABOUT ME

Since 1997 I have lived on a small farm in Birkeland in southern Norway, with my wife Anne Mette and our twins Torjus and Frida .

I have a varied background and was involved in several things before I became interested in blacksmithing. My education began with 2 years at a Forestry school followed by 1 year of Art and Design studies. Afterwards I studied at the University of Tromsø, which eventually led to a degree in Maritime Archaeology. Since then I have worked as an underwater archaeologist and with research and cultural heritage administration for 6- 7 years.

My interest in ironwork began in 1994, after attending a course in knifesmithing. My first own attempt as a blacksmith was in the snow, underneath a barn with a vacuum cleaner fan, and an anvil a friend lent me. In 1997 I started working as a museum supervisor in Birkeland and at the same time I fitted out my first workshop in the cellar at home. In 2000 I started building a new workshop which was finished in 2004.

My technical background for blacksmith work comes from mechanical subjects at the Forestry school, Design and Art history studies and several courses in blacksmithing , including tool making and art blacksmiths work. Apart from this I am self-taught. My recent progress comes through contact with colleagues, customers and participation in courses and meetings.

My background as a diver also gives me the opportunity to undertake underwater archeology tasks and other diving work . I have the following certificates:
CMAS**, PADI rescue diver, the Norwegian Labour Inspection class-S.