The Stonemasons Festival in Grorud is underway. The stonecutters have started their work, but we will only know the final result on Sunday, when the auction begins. Magne Mwakisu Elvsveen and the other stonemasons will then present the work they accomplished throughout the weekend. Magne’s project will be a sculpture representing a cat that stole fish.

– Now we are working on our sculptures. We have received our stone and you are free to be creative and do whatever you want.

He is originally from Ellingsrud, but is studying to become a stonemason in Denmark. Coming from a dull town of Groruddalen and having the job of a stonemason surprises people.

– People ask me if I lost it, laughs Magne.

But it’s a normal job, Magne and Canadian Chris Fleurie tell the newspaper.

– If you see something old and still alive, there is a reason for it. As Chris says, many people think that a stonemason only does art and sculptures, but they also deal with tombstones and the restoration of older buildings.

Magne is following a master’s course and holds a master’s degree. Magne’s teacher is also present at the festival. And Professor Magne’s teacher is the same.

– The profession is passed down from hand to hand, he smiled to the newspaper.

– What made you want to start this?

– I saw many sculptures, especially at Vigelandsparken, then I discovered that many stonemasons came from Groruddalen and I wanted to know more about the culture.

Magne and the others have a lot of work ahead of them before it’s all over on Sunday, but one thing is for sure.

– Do not hesitate to come and chat with us. The atmosphere between us stonecutters is very good, we chat together, and after working, we eat together and have fun. If you come and have a chocolate with you, then we can stay and talk for several hours, smiles Magne.