Tobias Birgersson

Multimedia sculptor | Bromma, Sweden

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Konsthantverkcentrum

A craft enthusiast mastering metal and wood

Tobias is a multimedia craftsman and artist
In 1999 he cofounded LOD Atelier, a gallery and workshop in Stockholm
His creations are part of a long-lasting Swedish tradition

Tobias Birgersson’s pieces in metal and wood are the result of a long practice that started during his school years. “I had the privilege to work with many different crafts and art forms during my 12 years at Stockholm Waldorf school. I experimented with several materials such as clay, paper, textile, metal and wood in different techniques.” Then, after attending Stenebyskolan, where he studied metal and silversmithing, and Konstfack, where he graduated in metal design and craft, Tobias undertook a career as a craftsman and an artist. “The decision to choose applied arts and craft came after a short apprenticeship in blacksmithing at the age of 18 – to me it felt like coming home.” Today Tobias also works as a Senior Lecturer at the Academy of Arts and Design of Gothenburg.

Interview

©Christian Habetzeder

©Christian Habetzeder

Have you ever tutored apprentices?: Yes, I have been involved in training many apprentices over the years, but as I am now working part time as a Senior Lecturer in Arts and Crafts, I have stopped. But I involve assistants when I work on larger exhibitions, on commissioned works or on public art projects.
What makes your work unique?: I am definitely a craft geek with the ability to see beyond the labelling of crafts. I believe my handicraft can comply with the material I am working with. I have a more simplistic and loving voice when hot forging, and I tend to be more tender and expressive when carving wood.
Was there a ‘milestone moment’ along your journey as a craftsman?: There are many of them, actually. For example, the first time I used a power hammer to hot forge steel – the magical moment I realised how malleable the material could be will stay with me forever. Also, many years ago, a man came into our studio with twelve 24 carat gold bars in a plastic bag and asked us to do something beautiful or interesting with it.
Do you have any suggestions for younger artisans?: Ask yourself why you want to walk along this long road. If you want to reach craft mastery, work for and with various masters. If your aim is to live from your art, I would recommend a combination of vocational training with an education in art or design.

Tobias Birgersson is a master artisan: she began her career in 1992 and she started teaching in 1999