Osmo Maker Feature: Rut Fjågesund, Telemark, Norway
Rut Fjågesund transforms local wood into functional works of art. Specializing in hand-turned bowls with carved textures and clean, Nordic-inspired shapes, Rut brings a deep respect for material and tradition to every piece she creates. What started as a semester project during her arts and crafts studies in 2020 quickly became a passion.
Who are you and what do you specialize in?
My name is Rut Fjågesund, and I’m a woodturner from Norway. I mostly turn bowls, and decorate the outsides with different textures, all carved by hand. Each piece is both functional and unique, shaped by local wood from Telemark, my home county.
How long have you been practicing? How did you get started?
I began woodturning in 2020. During my studies to become an arts and crafts teacher, I chose to specialize in woodturning for a semester. Something just clicked and I fell in love with the technique and wood as a material. I bought a lathe of my own just a week later, and set up a workshop at my home.
As a woodworker, where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m inspired by Nordic design traditions, simple shapes, clean lines, and functional objects. I also find inspiration in other materials and disciplines, like ceramics and textiles, and from the work of various artists.
What are you the most excited about this year?
This summer, I’m renovating my workshop. I’m very excited to finally have more space and new machines. I also received a work stipend from Kulturrådet (Arts Council Norway), which gives me the opportunity to spend more time in the workshop and focus on learning traditional woodworking techniques over the coming year.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to enter your field?
Spend time experimenting, and try different techniques and materials. Go to different courses to learn craft you are interested in.
We’ve asked you to share some of your favourite pieces that are finished with Osmo, can you tell us what makes them special to you?
I only work with local wood, and one of my favourite pieces is made of birch from the farm where I grew up. That personal connection makes the process of turning it somewhat more meaningful.
What would you like to ask our audience?
What draws you to handmade, wooden objects and what do you look for in a piece?
What tool could you not live without?
Definitely my woodturning chisels.
What is your favourite Osmo product?
I love using Osmo TopOil in the Natural colour. It helps light wood retain its natural appearance. The finish feels almost untreated, which is a quality I really appreciate.
“I only work with local wood, and one of my favourite pieces is made of birch from the farm where I grew up.”
– Rut Fjågesund
Where can people find you?
I live and work on a small farm in Lunde, Norway.
You can find Rut Fjagesund online at:
Website: https://www.rutfjagesund.com
Instagram: @rut.fjagesund
Facebook: Rut Fjågesund
Wood turning by Rut Fjågesund
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