Fred Livesay made his first spoon at age seven and has focused his life and career on traditional handwork ever since. He trained formally as a wheelwright and carriage-builder and then went on to study Scandinavian folk art with Marion Nelson, as well as decorative arts and art history, eventually receiving an M.A. in museum studies. Thirty-five years of teaching and studying in the United States, Sweden, and England give him a clear understanding of the joy handmade objects bring to everyday living; the healing art of craft; and the meditative connection between head, hands, and heart. Fred is a founding instructor of North House Folk School and of the Spoon Gathering in Milan, Minnesota. Fred is a sought-after teacher of craft nationally and internationally.

Learn more: Watch this video, Wooden Spoons with Fred Livesay, where Fred joined Vesterheim to discuss wooden spoons in Vesterheim’s collection. And enjoy a video recording of the online presentation Unraveling the Knot Basket: Investigating the Scandinavian Knutkorg.