Lucy Tokheim Folk Art Design Collection
I have always like to draw vining forms. But Karen Jenson and other rosemalers' fiery enthusiasm for this art took decorative painting to a whole new level. Rosemaling teachers were eagerly sought as practitioners threw themselves into it body and soul. I loved the hotly contested Gold Medal competition at the Nordic Fest in Decorah, and how people poured into exhibit halls to see the new work of master painters. It was a golden age.
I began adding Norwegian folk art designs to Gene's pottery with calligraphy and rosemaling. Milan, Minnesota was a hotbed of good rosemaling which eventually led to the Milan Village Art School.
Sigmund Aarseth was the premier Norwegian rosemaling teacher visiting the US, and I learned the free form of his Telemark transparent style.
Norsk woodworking, weavings and metal work done by common people before 1750 have a mysterious nobility. Norway was isolated from the rest of Europe by cold, distance and mountainous terrain so they retained their folk culture longer.
Researching wood carving that we could adapt to clay forms is a shared interest for Gene and me. Norway had no clay tradition and we often got the comment, "But this should be done in wood!"
We were delighted when Vesterheim gave one of our Setesdal bowls to Crown Prince Haakon and Mett-Marit Tjessem Holby in honor of their 2001 wedding. The piece is part of the permanent royal art collection.
Vesterheim Museum Director Marion John Nelson organized prestigious Norwegian American Folk Art Exhibits that traveled nationally and to Norway.
The motif of interlaced vines and Gothic type chip carving in a fan shape was popular in the Setesdal district of Norway.
When I am doing Scandinavian design work I bump into boundaries that I construct for myself. I want to reference traditional styles even as I translate them into different materials and styles. Using traditional ideas means I represent more than just myself.
When Gene applied horsehead handles to some of the Nordic bowl forms he was making things really took off. I was interested in the more surfaces to decorate with carving or calligraphy. It opened up a lot of possibilities.
