NORWEGIAN TERMITE
Woodcarving in the Scandinavian Tradition

NORWEGIAN TERMITE

Custom Woodcarving by Jock Holmen

About Jock
When Jock started his own carving business in the 70s, he knew he needed a business name. 

“Norwegian Termite‘ was better than something like Jock’s Woodworking,” he says. 

He does realize that termites aren’t really a problem in Norway, and he has faith people will get the joke.

Classes
Introduction to Acanthus:
Jan 13, 2026 - Feb 3, 2026
@ American Swedish Institute

Dragon and Acanthus Woodcarving
March 16 - 20, 2026
@ Milan Village Arts School

Click below for all classes

Reviews

Julie Ingebretsen remembers the process of fine-tuning the design and looking at the drafts as the plan developed.

The care that Jock, Julie, and Julie’s daughter, Anna Bloomstrand, took with the design paid off. Julie says of the finished product, “I love it. I love the protective symbology. I hope more people look up when they come to the store.”

Woodcarving in the Scandinavian tradition

Nordic Fest is an annual celebration in Decorah, Iowa, of Scandinavian heritage, culture, and food.
Mark your calendar for the 2026 event on July 23-25.

Jock, along with many other artists, will provide folk-art demonstrations during the fest.
For more information, visit the Nordic Fest website: https://nordicfest.com/

Jock Holmen ~ Master Woodcarver

Jock Holmen began his professional woodcarving and woodworking career over 40 years ago in his shop in Chicago. He named his company "Norwegian Termite", showing his pride in heritage and his whimsical sense of humor.

Jock has trained under numerous Norwegian and American master woodcarvers, both in the United States and in Norway. He continues his life-long passion for learning through classes and tutoring. You will find no catalog or storefront. Each project is considered unique and personal for each client.  Considerable time and effort is spent understanding each client's needs and to translate the vision to a one-of-a-kind work of art.

In addition to his commissioned work, Jock teaches beginner through advanced woodcarving and tool sharpening classes at Vesterheim Folk Art School (Decorah, IA), Milan Village Arts School (Milan, MN) , Norway House (Minneapolis, MN), American Swedish Institute (Minneapolis), North House Folk School (Grand Marais, MN), and in his own studio in the Twin Cities.