Automatic translation from Danish.

Sculptural chair made of carved natural wood, top with bird face. H. 167, W. 56, D. 52 cm. SH 57 cm.

Arne B. Johansson is primarily known for his artistic work in Lillerød, but the story behind his workshop and inspiration for the art is inextricably linked to his childhood. He grew up around and in the small family-owned company Lillerød Spånkurvefabrik, where his father, mother and a team of mainly Swedish employees made chip baskets from Swedish imported pine, as Arne's brother, the author Per-Olof Johansson, has described in the book 'A time with chip baskets'. During his work at the factory, Arne, already in the 1950s, became annoyed that good leftover chips were being used for heating and therefore started a parallel production of lamps. When he took over the factory in 1970, it changed its name to Lillerød Spånlamper and, at the peak of production, had about 30 different lamp models as well as a larger selection of baskets and handicrafts in production. When the demand for chip lamps faded in the late 70s, artistic interest took over and Arne debuted as an artist in 1978, at the age of 42, and revealed his first major work three years later. The production closed, but Arne kept the factory, which has functioned as his workshop to this day and the interest in natural materials and forms, wicker handicrafts and the creative power, remained a large part of his art.

Arne B. Johansson was one of the exhibitors at the Johannes Larsen Museum's exhibition 'Cherry Basket' in 2015 with several chairs and bird paintings.

Provenines: Artists' own collection.