|
|
Arne B.
A Short Biographical Paragraph
By Arne Bortnem
Since the old Scandinavian art of chip carving was introduced to me as a youth in 4-H camp, I have explored numerous styles and techniques of carving wood. Favorite subjects were realistic wildlife and human caricatures. Carving pipe shades for J. F. Nordlie pipe organs, peaked my interest in the traditional Scandinavian style of ornamental carving, and a folk art apprenticeship grant from the S D Arts Council enabled me to gain more appreciation and improved skill for this art.
Creating a work of art that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also useful for some practical purpose, is especially satisfying to me—perhaps having something to do with my utilitarian background on the farm east of Nunda, SD. As I continue to pursue definitions of museum quality fine sculpture, “Function precedes aesthetics” remains my guiding principle
|
