Harley Refsal

Harley Refsal is an internationally recognized figure carver, specializing in Scandinavian flat-plane style of woodcarving.

Background

Refsal was born and raised on a farm near Hoffman, Minnesota, which was 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.

Career

Refsal has traveled to and lived in Scandinavia on a number of occasions. He teaches Scandinavian studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he also holds the title Associate Professor of Scandinavian Folk Art. Since the 1980s, Refsal, who speaks fluent Norwegian, has shared his knowledge of and skills in Scandinavian-style flat-plane carving with thousands of carvers through classes and presentations in the United States and Scandinavia.

Refsal is an Emeritus Member of the Caricature Carvers of America. He was honored in 1996 by H. M. Harald V, King of Norway, with the Order of St. Olav for his efforts in reinvigorating Scandinavian figure carving in both the United States and Norway. ^[1]

Education

• B.A., Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Eksamen Philosophicum, University of Oslo
• M. Div., Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Cand. Mag., Telemark College, Rauland, Norway

Publications

• Refsal, Harley (2004). Art & Technique of Scandinavian Style Woodcarving. Fox Chapel Publishing, East Petersburg, PA. p. 137. ISBN 1-56523-230-5. 
• Refsal, Harley (1992). Woodcarving in the Scandinavian Style. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., New York, New York. p. 128. ISBN 0-8069-8633-6. 

References