Selbukassa
Mural
Concept and Execution
In the early summer of 2020, Cody Lehman and I were introduced to four families with a unique request: they needed a large mural for their new shared home.
The families were building the house with sustainability in mind, using as much reclaimed material as possible—even the house frame was recycled, salvaged from an old home in Selbu that was slated for demolition. Inspired by this resourceful approach, the project was named Selbukassa—the Selbu box.
From the initial pitch to the final brushstroke, we dedicated three weeks to bringing the mural to life, working whenever the weather was on our side. It was an unforgettable experience that combined art, community, and a deep respect for sustainable living.
Inspired by the green concept behind the project, we wanted to create a design that truly honored the families and their efforts. Our idea was to paint a massive Eurasian magpie building its nest using found treasures—just like the families were building their home with reclaimed materials. The magpie’s resourcefulness perfectly mirrored their creativity and commitment to sustainability.
To stay true to this vision, we used as many leftover paint scraps as possible during the mural’s creation. Partnering with a local business, Traditional Paint Works, we sourced linseed oil paint—mostly remnants, with a few new additions. The entire mural was brought to life with linseed oil paint, blending sustainability with artistry in every brushstroke.
The finished Selbukassa Mural
