Swedish Graal: Tell Your Story
Express your story through the Swedish Graal technique. This course is for experienced glassblowers who want to explore narrative expression through one of Sweden’s most iconic techniques, Graal. Peter & Bjørn will teach you the full process: creating a Swedish overlay working with traditional graal tools, understanding color chemistry, and making your own “Graal blank.” You'll be guided through engraving, sandblasting and finally bring your piece to life in the hot shop. With thematic support and visual inspiration, you'll craft a personal story and translate it into layered imagery within glass.
Peter V Hermansson is a glass artist based in Jämshög, Sweden. His work encapsulates a unique, contemporary Swedish narrative, referencing historical glass traditions while incorporating his graphically expressive graffiti style. Hermansson’s distinctive graphic illustrations are transferred onto the surface of his glass vessels using a 100-year-old Swedish glass technique called Graal. Throughout his body of work, storytelling plays a central role and is closely tied to advanced craftsmanship.
Bjørn Friborg was trained at the Kosta and Åfors glassworks, where he developed a hands-on, process-driven aesthetic. After graduating from the Royal Danish Academy, he became artistic director at The Glass Factory in Boda, Sweden, further refining his artistic practice. Today, he is Hot Shop Manager at Holmegaard Værk in Denmark where he works to develop contemporary glassmaking practices in an international context. Friborg is involved in art projects all over the world.
