When did you realise you wanted to work with wood?
I was fascinated by wood and natural materials very early on. When I was about 10 years old, I visited the Kontiki Museum in Norway and from the museum shop I acquired a piece of balsa wood. At high school, if I had an idea about a new piece, I would persuade my father to help me out.
Why is wood so captivating?
Working with wood is fantastic. Wood has an energy and a velocity you need to follow. Wood takes time to grow and if you stress it, the quality deteriorates, and has a fabulous smell. The smell of fresh wood in the workshop, beats everything.
©Christian Bang
Does the landscape influence your craft?
Growing up in Scandinavia, I have always been surrounded by natural materials. In my home, wood was everywhere: furniture, flooring and even the ceiling. Twice a year we would wash the pine floor with fat soap and I still remember the amazing smell of soap and moist wood.
What is your aim?
To make people fall in love with common materials like natural wood or plant fibres by arranging them in a way that make them become attractive and inspiring. In my opinion this is the strongest way to communicate their beauty.