From a big barn up a long dirt lane flows the scent of fresh wood...

FRED VON
Master Woodcarver

Dominated by German tradition, Alfred Von Oelschlaeger, now known as Fred Von, came to the United States from Berlin, Germany, in 1957. He is a Master Woodcarver trained at the University of Berlin.

Fred is an "Old School Master Craftsman Wood Carver," who applies his skills to producing beautiful commissions in wood.  "I was born into carving," Fred conveys.  As a third-generation carver who learned the craft from his father and grandfather in Berlin, he says, "I never had any idea of doing anything else."  

As a youngster in Germany, he spent hours after school in his grandfather's factory for custom-made furniture after school.  "It was all quite simple.  I inherited my love of wood carving from my father."  Like a child learning a language, Fred began to acquire a "grammar of carving."  He began to piece together knowledge of the various elements of the craft and the underlying principles that governed them.

When he was older, Fred's days were spent at the Art Institute, and evenings were filled with formal studies at the University of Berlin, after which he was apprenticed to a Master Carver.  He earned his certification and was officially listed as a Master Carver.

Fred's work has been admired and acquired by dignitaries and celebrities around the world.  He has done commission work for several presidents; the Playboy Mansion West;  well-known entertainers; numerous law offices, actuary firms, and banks; and every interior architectural firm.  His carved doors, wall panels, mantles, and other contemporary applications can be found in many private collections throughout the United States.

Fred Von is known for his intricate, elegant designs that showcase the beauty of the woods.  As he puts it, "The wood itself is a major design element in my work."  Fred brings style and grace to interiors.  Whether it is for the exacting work of conservation, restoration, or for a new masterpiece, his studio's work is of the very highest quality.

Fred will work with you, your architect, or designer to produce one-of-a-kind masterpieces that compliment your surroundings.

"Some craftsmen are lost in their own artistic searches, but I have already developed my own individual style, and part of that style is to honor the age-old artistic traditions."

Back to the top

LISA IHNKEN
Stained Glass

I am heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau period. My original designs seek to blend a modern interpretation of that late 1890's style. I feel my technique becomes refined and focused after each project. I hope to slow people down enough at first glance to take a second look. I want people to imagine a belief they can create beauty with my art as a catalyst.

I was raised in a home dominated by German tradition. My father, Fred Von, filled many of my youngest memories with the smell of wood, curved elegant shapes emerging out of a block of wood, and foot tracks in the sawdust.  My mother and other family members often helped on his projects in the studio. In my mind, my father's studio has always remained full of laughter, creativity, hard work, beauty, and late nights. I grew up in a true artist's home.

There was a stained glass studio next to my father's. I was about 4 or 5 years old and used to collect the discarded scraps of glass as "treasures". I remember not being afraid of the sharp edges. I instead was drawn to the color and different textures that would become evident when held up the the sun.

Due to the unpredictable financial nature of an artist's life, I was encouraged by my parents to go to college and study for a "real job". In 1990, I graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. In 1996, I graduated from The University of South Florida in Tampa with a Master's Degree in Adult Education. I have practiced as a Registered Nurse since 1990.

My fondness and curiosity for glass has somehow stayed with me throughout adult life. In 1998, I took 12 weeks of lessons from a local stained glass studio in Sarasota, Florida. I have no other formal training in glass. Continuous encouragement and support from my husband, Todd, has led to greater confidence with my projects. In the last 3 years I have gained invaluable knowledge and access to a wider variety of glass through Steve Mc Lester at Asheville Stained Glass. Last a certainly not least, my father gave me some of his artistic genes.

Back to the top