Walter C. Grittner 1611 Pleasant Street, #210 Lauderdale MN 55108-1334 (651) 645-9549 Work Samples Image (select to enlarge):

Walter Grittner Northern European chip carving Chip Carving is an old folk art practiced by many ethnic cultures in central and northern Europe and now represented in Minnesota. Walter Grittner is a self taught carver with well over 60 years experience. His work has an identifiable style, yet no two of his pieces are exactly alike. He has demonstrated, displayed, and taught at many wood carving shows, historical society events, and ethnic celebrations throughout the U.S. Examples of his work are in most of the states and in many foreign countries. He enjoys talking with people and discussing chip carving and techniques with them. Available: Anytime Space: At least one 8 ft, table with electricity available; another table if a larger display is desired Fee: Negotiable

Additional Information:
Walter Grittner is a self-taught artist who practices chip carving in a Northern European style.

Chip carving is an ancient art form that produces beautiful geometric patterns on wooden surfaces. While similar techniques have been used by cultures throughout the world, the pieces that guided Walter Grittner as he learned to carve came from the Northern European tradition. In Europe, this tradition seems to have its roots in or near what is now Germany, where similar patterns can still be seen in the stonework of 8th-century churches. During the Gothic period, these geometric patterns became a popular addition to the interior woodwork of cathedrals. At some point, carvers also began to use this technique to decorate furniture, tools, boxes, and other useful items. Chip carving uses simple tools and basic techniques to produce ornate and impressive patterns, which meant that it was used to beautify the homes of rich and poor families alike. Over the centuries, this chip carving tradition spread through Austria, Northern Italy, Hungary, Romania, the Baltic region, and all of Scandinavia. Here in Minnesota, many Scandinavian Americans have encountered family heirlooms with this style of carving, and examples brought by immigrant ancestors can be seen in museums throughout the state.

When Walter Grittner first became interested in chip carving back in the 1930s, he was unable to find a local teacher. Working from illustrations of old museum pieces and his own knowledge of geometry, he taught himself how to reproduce these traditional forms. For years, he carved simply for his own enjoyment, producing pieces for his own family or as gifts for friends. By the 1970s, he had mastered the traditional styles, and was able to develop his own designs. In 1982, his family urged him to enter a carving in a competition at the Minnesota State Fair. To Walter's surprise, he won a blue ribbon, was contacted by the Minnesota Historical Society, and received many invitations to demonstrate chip carving. These days, Walter Grittner produces carved items ranging from small pin backs to large boxes, crosses, plates, and more unusual objects such as a traditional mangle board used before the invention of the iron to take the wrinkles out of sheets. He has presented for carving groups, senior citizen's organizations, ethnic events, and historical societies. To his delight, several of his students have now mastered the technique to such a degree that they can now teach classes of their own. Walter Grittner enjoys talking with people, and often takes time during his demonstrations to explain the history of chip carving.