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Harley Refsal
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Biography: Harley
Refsal teaches Scandinavian Studies at Luther
College in Decorah, Iowa, where he also holds the
title Resident Fellow in Scandinavian Folk Art. He
is an internationally recognized figure carver,
specializing Scandinavian-style flat-plane carving.
Refsal was born and raised on a farm near Hoffman,
Minnesota, homesteaded by his Norwegian-immigrant
grandparents. He began working in wood as a young
boy. His father, a carpenter and farmer, and a
woodworker uncle who lived nearby kept him well
supplied with wood, tools and encouragement. Since
the 1980s, Refsal, who speaks fluent Norwegian, has
shared his knowledge of, and skills in, Scandinavian
flat-plane carving with thousands of carvers through
classes and presentations in the United States and
Scandinavia. His name is so integrally linked with
the revival of this carving style that it is rapidly
becoming known as the Refsal style; Refsal is
available to teach woodcarving seminars and judge
exhibits and shows. His carvings are available for
sale. |
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Through the power of
close-up lenses, watch Harley transform a rough blank of
basswood into the lifelike figure of Karl Oskar, the
younger brother of Harley's popular figure 'Oskar'. In
this first-ever video on 'flat plane carving', Harley
clearly explains every step of the process. Using only a
single sharp knife and making polished cuts - he
demonstrates the art of giving expression to every
carved facet. If you are a master, a beginner, or
interested in Scandinavian art - this video offers a
lifetime of learning and inspiration. It's like having a
class with Harley in your own home anytime you wish!
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In this 90 Minute Video:
Getting Started
Sharpening- for that Razor Edge
Knife Grips for Control, Power and Safety
Knife Carving Techniques
Resources
Painting Tips
Safety Techniques
A Gallery of Figure Carvings
History of Scandinavian Figure Carving
Detailed Instruction - from Eyes to Buttons
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Harley Refsal is the torchbearer of Scandinavian-style
figure carving in North America, and has played a
central role in re-popularizing this nearly-lost style
in Scandinavia. In addition to teaching carving, he is
the author of many articles and several books including
'Woodcarving in the Scandinavian Style'. He is an
Emeritus Member of Caricature Carvers of America; a
professor of Scandinavian Folk Art at Luther College in
Decorah, Iowa, he has received numerous woodcarving
related awards, and in 1996 he was decorated by the King
of Norway for his contributions to Norwegian Folk Art. |
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