Liv Blåvarp

Born in 1956 in Norway. Educated at the State College of Art and Design, Oslo from 1979 to 1983 and later at the Royal

College of Art, London. She is a master woodworker who designs one of a kind sculptural pieces that are incredibly sophisticated, yet primitive simultaneously.

Along with wood, Blåvarp often incorporates ebony, ivory and whale teeth in her pieces. Her hand-dyed collars fuse ethnic and botanical influences, reminding us that the wood was once very much alive. http://fashionindie.com/designer-discovery-liv-blavarp/

Personally, I agree with those who see Liv's art imitating life in their organic form that appear almost alive, animal like.

Although you can find many photos of her work and a list of exhibitions she has participated in, there does not seem to be a lot of information on how her work has evolved or interviews with the artist.

I would want to find out how she developed her approach to jewelry and use of materials. Older photos show wood work that had been hand dyed and creations that looked like beautiful colorful birds. More recent work has the look of internal animal and plant structures with a very modern twist. Some look like sets of backbones. (as evidenced by the photos posted)

Her work in the US is represented by Charon Kransen Arts. http://www.charonkransenarts.com/artists/Blavarp_6_2005/artist_blavarp.html