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Carsten Nilsson

Carsten Nilsson Woodcarver
Contact
Swedish, English
Hours:
By appointment only
© All rights reserved

Holding a mirror to Swedish folk art

  • • Carsten captures detail by making thousands of cuts in wood
  • • He became a skilled carver after starting to build kitchens
  • • His work has sparked huge interest

Carsten Nilsson is one of only a few woodcarvers in Sweden. His craft demands skills in shaping objects as well as a deep understanding of the material. He mostly carves in limewood, which may not be the most durable of materials, but it suits the stunning mirror frames that Carsten makes, which are intended to be hung on walls. Over the last 24 years he has developed both his own expression and technique. A trained carpenter, Carsten primarily focuses on ornament carving and decoration in wood, and the way he creates small figurines is remarkable. He has a steadily growing number of customers waiting for his colourful, quirky, unique frames with figures, flowers, nature and unexpected symbols.

Read the full interview

Works

  • © Peter Carlsson
  • © Peter Carlsson
  • © Peter Carlsson
  • © Gabriella Dahlman
Photo: © Peter Carlsson
The Circus

This handcarved wooden mirror frame was inspired by the traditional circus and features classic circus symbols as well as animals and clowns. Carsten often works with themes, and aims to capture the symbols and atmosphere in the design and colours.

Diameter 80 cm

Photo: © Peter Carlsson
The Forest

This handcarved wooden mirror frame features symbols and inspiration from the Swedish woods. The carvings are delicately thin, which adds to the artistic nature of the piece.

Height 72 cm
Width 62 cm

Photo: © Peter Carlsson
The Amusement Park

This handcarved wooden mirror frame has an amusement park theme, showing a ballerina and a weightlifter. All Carsten's frames are intended to hold a mirror, giving it a function as well as being a beautiful piece of art.

Height 49 cm
Width 43 cm

Photo: © Gabriella Dahlman
The Garden

This handcarved wooden sculpture with floral decoration is meant to be seen from two directions. Playful and traditional motifs of plants and flowers are freely interpreted from Swedish folk art.

Height 45 cm
Width 14 cm

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