John A. Andersen is an experienced wooden boat builder from Risør who has dedicated his life to preserving the proud tradition of wooden boat building. Risør, known as one of Norway's most important wooden boat towns, has had a thriving boat building community for centuries, and Andersen is one of those who still keeps the craft alive.

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Through his work, he builds and restores traditional wooden boats, and he has also been involved in teaching the craft through barge building courses.

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Andersen describes wooden boat building as a passion, where creating something with both head and hands gives a sense of freedom, even if it is not necessarily financially beneficial.

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He works from workshops in Risør, including Moen Trebåtbyggeri, where many of Norway's most famous wooden boats have been built, such as "Den Sorte Dame" , which is used in Kristiansand Dyrepark. Andersen also actively contributes to the annual Risør Trebåtfestival , which attracts thousands of visitors each year and celebrates the maritime tradition for which the town is known.

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