Simplicity, beauty and function in a form define the fine craftsmanship of Mats Fogelvik. Born in Sweden in 1959, Mats is a designer/artist and wood-worker who makes his home and workshop here on the Big Island. In 1987, he attended an art and furniture-making school in Stockholm and worked as a teacher for wood shop classes during 1988. His world adventures landed him on Maui in 1991, since then he has been a full-time woodworker and furniture maker. He is the past President and co-founder of the Maui Woodworker’s Guild.
“I grew up in an Arts & crafts family”, Mats says. “We still have a living tradition of woodworking in Sweden, and I was surrounded by old and new furniture in my youth. I have a rich inspirational source to draw from in the Scandinavian heritage and traditions. I believe a lot of furniture nowadays is ‘over designed’. There is a fine balance between beauty, function and sculptural value in a piece, and I am not afraid of using old, well-proven designs in my work, to achieve that. It doesn’t take much of a change, or detailing, to add the ‘personal touch’ to a piece. Too much, and the balance is thrown off.”
“My goal is to create pieces with a ‘one of a kind quality’, and at the same time the customer will be able to recognize and connect with the piece, on a very emotional level. I believe wood is a living material, and I am excited about bringing out the soul within, to make the wood express itself to you. Listen carefully, and you will hear my furniture speak to you!”